Belgium and Five European Nations Recognize Palestine, Impose Sanctions on Israel

On September 22, 2025, Belgium, along with France, Luxembourg, Andorra, Malta, and Monaco, formally recognized the State of Palestine. Belgium's recognition is contingent upon the release of all hostages and the removal of Hamas from governance in Gaza. Additionally, Belgium announced plans to impose 12 sanctions on Israel, including banning imports from West Bank settlements and reviewing public procurement policies with Israeli companies. These measures aim to uphold international and humanitarian laws and support a two-state solution.

This collective recognition by European nations marks a pivotal shift in international diplomacy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Belgium's conditional recognition and the imposition of sanctions reflect a growing European consensus on addressing humanitarian concerns and promoting a two-state solution. These actions have elicited strong reactions from Israel and have significant implications for international relations and regional stability.

European countries have historically been divided on recognizing Palestinian statehood. Some have advocated for recognition to promote peace, while others have emphasized direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 66,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement, has intensified public outrage across Europe, leading to mass pro-Palestinian protests and shifts in political opinion.

Belgium's recognition of Palestine is contingent upon the release of all hostages and the exclusion of Hamas from Gaza's governance. Belgium announced 12 sanctions, including:

• Import Ban: Prohibition of goods and services produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied territories.

• Consular Restrictions: Limiting consular services for Belgian nationals residing in these settlements.

• Visa Denials: Exploring avenues to deny long-stay visas (Type D) to Israelis living in the settlements.

• Legal Actions: Empowering the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office to prosecute Belgian citizens involved in serious violations of international humanitarian law in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories.

• Arms Embargo: Expanding the existing ban on arms exports and transit to Israel to encompass all military goods and dual-use items, while advocating for a full embargo at the European Union level.

• Overflight Restrictions: Rejecting requests for Israeli military overflights during the ongoing conflict.

• Defense Procurement Review: Reducing dependence on Israeli defense equipment.

The European Commission has proposed suspending certain trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, including halting preferential trade access for Israeli exports to the EU. Additionally, the EU is considering sanctions targeting far-right Israeli ministers, such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, as well as violent settlers and Hamas leaders, by freezing assets and imposing travel bans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the recognitions, stating that such actions will not "bind Israel in any way," and declared that "a Palestinian state will not arise." The U.S. has expressed concern over these actions, with the State Department being "very troubled" by decisions such as Norway's sovereign wealth fund divesting from companies linked to Israeli settlements.

Israeli universities and researchers are facing an unprecedented global wave of academic boycotts, particularly across Europe, with numerous institutions severing ties. Despite calls for suspension due to military actions in Gaza, Israeli teams continue to participate in international sports competitions, sparking debates about perceived double standards compared to the swift suspension of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Belgium's recognition of the State of Palestine and the imposition of sanctions on Israel signify a notable shift in European diplomatic approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These actions reflect growing concerns over humanitarian issues and a collective push towards a two-state solution. The international community now faces the challenge of navigating these developments to foster peace and stability in the region.