Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot talks to journalists at the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, on May 22, 2026.Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

Belgium eyes Palestinian recognition after Hamas steps back from Gaza governance – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said Monday that he has instructed his Cabinet to move toward a decision on recognizing Palestinian statehood.

The move comes after the militant group Hamas announced earlier in the day that it would dissolve the body that has governed Gaza for the best part of 20 years. Hamas stepping away from power is one of Prévot’s prerequisites for Belgian recognition of Palestine.

Speaking to VRT, Prévot said: “I don’t know if we will be ready by Friday,” referring to a ministerial council scheduled to take place, “but it will be on the table soon.”