Belgium’s N-VA Party Debates Palestinian State Recognition Ahead of UN General Assembly
In a significant political move, Zuhal Demir of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) expressed her support for recognizing a Palestinian state, despite internal party divisions. This announcement comes as Prime Minister Bart De Wever plans to convene the core cabinet to discuss Belgium’s stance on Palestine’s recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, reports 24brussels.
Demir emphasized the potential for peace through this recognition, stating, “This recognition can bring peace. It should not be recognition of Hamas, but of a people and that people’s right to exist.” Her stance reflects a broader debate within the N-VA, where opinions are split regarding the timing and implications of such recognition.
Earlier in July, Valerie Van Peel, N-VA leader, argued against the timing of recognizing Palestine, citing the need to prioritize negotiations that could result in two states being recognized. “You have to start negotiations to get two states recognised,” she remarked in an interview with VTM Nieuws, highlighting the involvement of Arab nations in acknowledging Israel.
In contrast, Demir insists that now is the time for action. With the UN General Assembly approaching, she points to French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement to officially recognize Palestine as a significant precedent that Belgium should follow.
The federal and regional parliaments have engaged in discussions regarding the Gaza situation and the recognition of Palestine in recent weeks. Additionally, there is a growing agreement within the federal government to impose an entry ban on two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, although there are conflicting reports on the status of this decision. N-VA parliamentary leader Axel Ronse confirmed the agreement on a ban, while Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated no decision had yet been made.
Coalition partner MR has also reiterated that no conclusive decisions have been taken, suggesting the issue remains a point of negotiation within the government as it formulates its position on Gaza. Clarity is expected from Wednesday’s discussions, where the cabinet will deliberate on the recognition of Palestine and the stipulations needed for such a decision.
As the international landscape shifts, France is poised to become the first G7 nation and permanent member of the UN Security Council to officially recognize Palestine, joining the ranks of 147 UN member states that have already taken this step.
