Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta have formally recognized Palestine during a summit at the United Nations General Assembly, expanding the list of European Union nations supporting Palestinian statehood. The move comes amid ongoing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly following Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever emphasized that the recognition is intended to send a strong political and diplomatic signal, although legal recognition will only be formalized once all hostages are released and Hamas is removed from Palestinian governance. Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden highlighted the decision as a renewed commitment to diplomacy and the two-state solution, assuring that it is not aimed at Israel or its people.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed pride in the recognition, supporting Israel’s right to coexist with a democratic Palestinian state but stressing that Hamas must have no role in Palestine’s future leadership. Outside the EU, Monaco also declared recognition of Palestine, conditional on the release of hostages and Hamas’ disarmament, while France joined the list of nations recognizing Palestine earlier in the day.
The recognition comes amid severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, where over 65,000 people have been reported killed, and accusations of genocide by a UN commission. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has condemned the recognition as a charade, with Israel and the US vowing not to participate in it.