Brussels, (Unib Rashid) __ After several days of tense negotiations over the issue of recognizing Palestine, Belgium’s federal and Flemish governments have reached a common position regarding the Gaza conflict. At the federal level, Prime Minister Bart De Wever and his coalition partners agreed last night to support the New York Declaration — a Franco-Saudi initiative paving the way for the recognition of a Palestinian state. However, certain conditions have been attached. According to these conditions, Belgium’s recognition will only become official once all Israeli hostages are released and groups like Hamas are excluded from the Palestinian government.

On the other hand, the agreement also includes certain restrictions if Israeli aggression continues. These measures include banning imports from Israeli-occupied territories, withdrawing consular support for Belgian citizens residing in illegal West Bank settlements, and imposing travel bans on two far-right Israeli ministers (Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich) as well as Hamas leaders.

In addition, Belgium will increase its humanitarian aid for Gaza. The aid allocation will rise to €12.5 million (from €7 million), while emphasizing the need for UN-led humanitarian corridors.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele, the Flemish government has also reached an understanding. However, Diependaele declined to share details, stating that he would first present the agreement to the full Flemish government before outlining it at the Flemish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday. It is expected that this will lead to stricter restrictions on Israel’s dual-use exports and a reduction in the activities of its trade promotion office. Moreover, the Flemish government will contribute €350,000 to the UN World Food Programme for Gaza relief.

Both governments also indicated that they would push for a review of Israel’s preferential trade status with the European Union.