Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta have all announced recognition of a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly on Monday

Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta have formally recognized Palestine during a summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, expanding the list of European Union nations supporting Palestinian statehood.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Brussels was joining the group in order to send a "strong political and diplomatic signal to the world." He stressed, however, that legal recognition would only take effect once "all hostages have been released and all terrorist organizations such as Hamas have been removed from the governance of Palestine." Until then, Belgium would delay steps such as opening an embassy or concluding formal agreements.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden described 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 emphasized that the move was not aimed "against Israel or its people" and not intended as "a reward for violence." He said Luxembourg continues to believe the two-state solution is "the only viable way forward for lasting peace."

Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela told delegates that the country was "proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood." He said his government supports Israel's right to exist alongside a democratic Palestinian state but argued that Hamas must play no role in Palestine's future leadership.

Outside the EU, Monaco also declared its recognition of a Palestinian state, conditional on the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. Prince Albert II told the assembly that Monaco had "defended Israel's right to live within safe and recognized borders" but also supported the Palestinian people's right to a "sovereign, viable and democratic state."

Earlier in the day, France also formally recognized Palestine, joining the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal, which announced similar moves on Sunday. More than 145 countries worldwide have now extended recognition, according to UN figures.

The moves come amid Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack killed about 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken. In the nearly year-long conflict that followed, Gaza's health authorities say over 65,000 people have been killed, while a UN commission has accused Israel of committing acts amounting to genocide.

Israel strongly condemned world leaders for recognizing Palestine, with Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon saying the US and Israel "will not participate in this charade."

(RT.com)