London (TASSAWAR NEWS) – Belgium has officially announced that it will recognize the State of Palestine while imposing tough sanctions on Israel. The move comes after France, the UK, Australia, and Canada signaled similar intentions.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed on social media that he will formally recognize Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session this month. Alongside recognition, Belgium will enforce 12 strict national-level sanctions against Israel.
These sanctions include:
- A ban on importing products from illegal Israeli settlements
- Suspension and review of official contracts with Israeli companies
- Restrictions on Israeli flights and transit operations
UK Issues Warning to Israel
Meanwhile, the UK has demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, warning that failure to do so will lead to Britain formally recognizing Palestine at the UNGA.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening daily:
- Over 132,000 children under five are at risk due to food shortages
- Israel continues to block essential humanitarian aid
- Gaza is facing what experts call a “man-made famine”
Lammy added that the only path forward is an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israeli military escalation.
International Outrage Over Genocide Claims
The International Association of Genocide Scholars, the world’s largest body researching genocide, has classified Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide against Palestinians.
Protests in Bahrain
In Bahrain, citizens took to the streets of Manama to protest the appointment of a new Israeli ambassador. Demonstrators burned photos of the envoy, chanted against normalization, and demanded their government cut diplomatic ties with Israel.
Palestinian Leadership Responds
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of seeking the complete destruction of Palestine. He revealed that:
- Over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded in Gaza
- The region faces severe famine
- Out of 1,000 UN resolutions, none have been enforced for Palestine
Abbas stressed that 149 countries already recognize Palestine and vowed to push for full UN membership. He accused Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing Palestinian expulsion to maintain power and avoid trial.
Hamas Rejects US-Israel Plan
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas rejected a US-Israeli proposal to place Gaza under international control, declaring: “Gaza is not for sale.”
Ongoing Israeli Strikes
Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate Gaza. A recent attack on Shati refugee camp killed over 100 Palestinians, including a pregnant woman. Personal belongings and baby clothes were found in the rubble.
- Gaza’s death toll has now exceeded 63,557, with over 160,660 injured.
- Food shortages claimed 9 more lives, as Israel restricts rescue teams from removing rubble.
Water Crisis in West Bank
Following Gaza’s famine, Palestinians in the West Bank are now facing severe water shortages. Even in Ramallah, the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority, families are struggling to access clean water.
