Belgium’s foreign minister urges swift recognition of Palestine: “Soon there may be nothing left to recognise”
Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) told parliament that Belgium must quickly recognise the state of Palestine, warning that any delay could undermine the country's credibility regarding the two-state solution. He announced his intention to follow French President Emmanuel Macron, who plans to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month.
“If Belgium does not make progress towards official recognition of Palestine in September, there will soon be nothing left to recognise," he said. "Moreover, Belgium will lose all credibility in speaking about a two-state solution.”
Prévot stressed that recognition should not be seen as rewarding Hamas. "Recognition is a bonus for the Palestinian Authority, not for Hamas. It strengthens the peaceful struggle.”
No consensus
There is currently no consensus within the governing coalition on rapid recognition. N-VA and MR are more cautious than Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés. Prévot said he would mobilise allies within the government to ensure the path to recognition is cleared. He also called for Belgium to officially deny entry to two Israeli ministers and consider banning the import of goods from occupied territories, measures that would face less resistance within the majority.
This is not an ideological debate, it is about respecting the law
The foreign minister said that the government would meet in the coming weeks to discuss Belgium's position on Gaza, including the recognition of Palestine and the possibility of imposing sanctions on Israel. “The government must not miss its appointment with history, with our conscience, and with our moral and legal obligations,” he said. "It is essential that we continue to act to ensure international justice and maintain Belgium’s reputation as a defender of human rights. This is not an ideological debate, it is about respecting the law.”
© BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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