Belgium will recognize Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly and plans to push for firm sanctions against the Israeli government, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said on September 2.
The move adds Belgium to a growing list of countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, and France, that have pledged to formally recognize a Palestinian state, increasing international pressure on Israel.
Israel, already facing criticism over its actions in Gaza and alleged human rights violations, has reacted strongly to these diplomatic developments.
Indeed, these announcements have drawn sharp criticism from both the United States and Israel. Other G7 members, including the United Kingdom, and Japan, maintain that Palestinian statehood should be linked to a negotiated two-state solution and achieved only through a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.
So, what are some of the countries that already recognize Palestine as a state, and what does this recognition mean? Click on to find out.