PREVIEW

Belgium Moves Toward Recognizing Palestinian Statehood. Belgium is moving closer to recognizing Palestinian statehood after Hamas announced it would step back from governing Gaza. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said he had instructed his Cabinet to begin work toward a decision. Prévot said Hamas leaving power in Gaza was one of Belgium's key conditions for recognizing Palestine. He said the issue may not be ready for this week's ministerial meeting but would be discussed “soon.” European support for Palestinian statehood has grown since the Gaza war began following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Emmanuel Macron led a push that saw France, the UK, Canada and Australia recognize Palestinian statehood in 2025, while Spain, Ireland and Norway did so in 2024. The recognition moves have been strongly criticized by Israel and the United States. While Hamas' decision to step back from governing Gaza has been cautiously welcomed, questions remain over the group's disarmament and Gaza's future leadership.
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