Belgium must recognize Palestinian state now, says minister

Belgium's Development Minister Caroline Gennez said on Tuesday that her country must be a "pioneer" and recognize the Palestinian state "now."

"Belgium must be a European pioneer and recognize the Palestinian state now," Gennez wrote on X.

She added: "A full-fledged Palestinian state is the only path towards peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis."

EU members, including Slovenia, Malta, Norway, Spain, and Ireland, have already announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.

Previously, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib noted that the Palestinian territories would one day be officially recognized.

On Sunday, Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris said his country will recognize a Palestinian state by the end of this month while stressing that he does not seek to cut ties with Israel.

More than 35,600 Palestinians have been killed, the vast majority of whom have been women and children, and nearly 79,900 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.