Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta have all declared their recognition of a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly on Monday.
Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta have officially acknowledged Palestine at a summit held concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly in New York, thereby expanding the roster of European Union nations backing Palestinian statehood.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that Brussels was aligning with the group to convey a “strong political and diplomatic signal to the world.” He emphasized, however, that official recognition would become effective only once “all hostages have been released and all terrorist organizations such as Hamas have been removed from the governance of Palestine.” Until that time, Belgium would postpone actions like establishing an embassy or finalizing formal agreements.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden characterized his country’s decision as “the beginning of a renewed commitment to hope, a commitment to diplomacy, to dialogue, to coexistence, and a two-state solution.” Frieden underscored that the action was not directed “against Israel or its people” and not meant as “a reward for violence.” He stated that Luxembourg maintains its conviction that the two-state solution is “the only viable way forward for lasting peace.”
These developments occur amid Israel’s sustained military operation in Gaza, which commenced following the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That assault claimed approximately 1,200 lives and led to the abduction of over 250 individuals. During the nearly year-long confrontation that ensued, Gaza’s health authorities report more than 65,000 fatalities, while a United Nations commission has charged Israel with engaging in actions that constitute genocide.
Israel vehemently denounced global leaders for their recognition of Palestine, with Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, stating that the U.S. and Israel “will not participate in this charade.”