Belgium to back Palestinian statehood at UN Summit

AWANI

Belgium will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, joining France, Canada, Britain and others, while also unveiling sanctions against Israel over its Gaza offensive and settlement expansion.

Transcript

00:00Belgium announces it will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.

00:06The confirmation from its foreign minister, Maxim Prevost, adds to the mounting international pressure on Israel,

00:12following similar declarations by Australia, Britain, Canada and France.

00:18Belgium will sign the New York Declaration backing a two-state solution where Palestine and Israel coexist peacefully.

00:26Prevost said the decision is driven by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

00:31and by Israeli actions considered violations of international law.

00:36The recognition forms part of a joint diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia.

00:42Prevost described it as a clear political signal against settlement expansion

00:47and Israel's ongoing military presence in Palestinian territories.

00:51Belgium is also preparing 12 sanctions on Israel.

00:56These include banning settlement products, reviewing government contracts with Israeli firms and expelling Hamas leaders.

01:03At the same time, Belgium intends to push for European measures targeting Hamas

01:07while introducing domestic initiatives to combat anti-Semitism.

01:12According to Prevost, the ultimate goal is to increase pressure on both sides

01:16while supporting efforts to rebuild Palestine.

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