Belgium to recognize Palestine at UN General Assembly

Belgium became the latest European country to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations conference later this month as the opposition to Israel's conduct in Gaza has gained further momentum.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on Tuesday that Palestine will be recognized by his country at the UN session, adding to international pressure on Israel after similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada and France.

Prevot said his country would impose sanctions on Israel, which would include a ban on the import of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. And there would also be a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies and the designation of Israeli ministers as persona non grata in Belgium.