Belgium prepares decision on recognizing Palestine after Hamas condition met

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has initiated the process for potentially recognizing Palestine as an independent state, directing his administration to prepare the necessary groundwork. This action comes after the CD&V party urged the government to formally acknowledge Palestine, pointing to Hamas's recent announcement that it has dissolved its governing body in the Gaza Strip.

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We reached an agreement with the federal government last summer, after a long struggle. That agreement clearly states that recognition is possible once the stipulated conditions, including the dissolution of Hamas, are met. Now that Hamas is effectively withdrawing as the governing body in Gaza, Belgium must not break its word.

Last year, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced at the United Nations in New York that Belgium intended to recognize Palestine. However, this recognition was contingent upon specific conditions agreed upon within the federal government. Key among these were the release of all hostages and the removal of Hamas from governance roles.

CD&V MP Els Van Hoof stated that Hamas's dissolution of its governing body in Gaza fulfills a significant condition, removing a primary argument for delaying formal recognition. Her party is now calling on Belgium to uphold its commitment and immediately recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. "We reached an agreement with the federal government last summer, after a long struggle. That agreement clearly states that recognition is possible once the stipulated conditions, including the dissolution of Hamas, are met. Now that Hamas is effectively withdrawing as the governing body in Gaza, Belgium must not break its word," Van Hoof asserted.

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Recognition of Palestine is absolutely necessary to achieve lasting peace. Only with a credible prospect of a two-state solution can the immense suffering affecting so many families and children in Gaza finally come to an end.

Van Hoof emphasized that recognizing Palestine is "absolutely necessary" for achieving lasting peace, stating, "Only with a credible prospect of a two-state solution can the immense suffering affecting so many families and children in Gaza finally come to an end." Minister Prévot confirmed he has tasked his cabinet with preparing the decision, though he could not guarantee it would be discussed at the upcoming Friday council of ministers, expressing hope for a swift resolution.

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I don't know if we will be ready by Friday, but it will be on the table soon.