Belgium will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

This will add to international pressure on Israel after similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada, and France.

Belgium will join the signatories of the New York Declaration, paving the way for a two-state solution, or a Palestinian state co-existing in peace alongside Israel, Prevot said in a post on X.

The decision comes "in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law," Prevot added.

Belgium intends to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a joint diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia, Prevot said.

Belgium will also levy 12 "firm" sanctions on Israel, such as a ban on importing products from its settlements, a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies, and declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata in Belgium, Prevot said.

Belgium, a member of the European Union, took the decision to step up pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas, Prevot said.

Prevot also emphasized Belgium’s commitment to Palestine’s reconstruction, adding that the country would advocate for "European measures targeting Hamas and supporting new Belgian initiatives to combat antisemitism."