The voice of reason has been heard. Palestine will only be legally recognised
by Belgium once the hostages have been released and Hamas has completely relinquished
power. The priority must remain the humanitarian situation and peace.
The situation in Gaza has been the subject of numerous discussions within the federal government in recent months, as well as disinformation about the MR's position. Since then, the federal government has adopted a position that has just been defended by Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New York, at the United Nations General Assembly.
Background: the MR's position
As reaffirmed at the end of August by the President, Ministers and group leaders of the MR1, the Mouvement Réformateur strongly condemns the suffering inflicted on civilian populations, particularly in Gaza, where living conditions are dire and humanitarian needs immense, as well as the suffering of the hostages. The MR recalls that international humanitarian law must be respected under all circumstances, including by the Israeli government.
1 Press release of 25 August 2025.
Delivering humanitarian aid must be an absolute priority. Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank is also unacceptable and must stop. The credibility of the democratic values we defend is at stake.
The MR has always resolutely supported the prospect of a two-state solution, the only realistic path to a lasting, just and balanced peace. We support the recognition of a Palestinian state provided the necessary guarantees of security and stability are met beforehand:
- The complete disarmament of Hamas, which is a terrorist organisation;
- Hamas's withdrawal from power in Gaza, in favour of a legitimate and peaceful authority;
- The immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli hostages still held since the attack of 7 October;
- Recognition of the State of Israel by the Arab countries of the region;
- The establishment of verifiable and mutual security guarantees for all Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
This is the position the MR has defended within the government.
International position
Even before this, on the international stage, Belgium, driven by MR ministers such as Hadja Lahbib, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, has always taken its responsibilities, notably:
- By actively participating in the proceedings before the International Court of Justice;
- By contributing to airdrops of food and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip;
- By taking on a role in hosting numerous Palestinian refugees, in keeping with our humanitarian commitments.
What is the Belgian position?
At the Kern meeting of 1 September 2025, Belgium adopted a clear position on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Committed to a two-state solution and respect for international law, the federal government, as requested by the MR, set strict conditions for the official recognition of Palestine (which would only take effect, notably, after the full release of the hostages and Hamas's withdrawal from the Palestinian government).
There is also a strong will to support a UN interposition mission to guarantee the protection of civilians.
Finally, the most urgent priority remains the humanitarian situation, with an acceleration of Belgian efforts to help Gaza and carry out medical evacuations. Belgium will step up its efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians through every possible channel.
In addition, other measures were announced (national sanctions against violent settlers and Hamas officials will be adopted; Belgium has declared extremist ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, as well as Hamas's political and military leaders, personae non gratae on its territory; and a national import ban on settlement products).
Belgian position confirmed at the United Nations General Assembly
On the occasion of the 80th UN General Assembly, on Monday 22 September 2025, Bart De Wever stated that Belgium would recognise a Palestinian state under conditions. Our country thus joins those countries that will recognise a Palestinian state (such as France or Canada) while maintaining conditions for doing so; these conditions are essential for the MR.
For information, the European countries that do not currently wish to recognise a Palestinian state include Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.