Belgium sets conditions as it recognises Palestine

Belgium on Monday joined a group of countries moving to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN session with several preconditions, including reforming the Palestinian Authority and substituting its leadership.

PM Bart De Wever said that while Belgium was giving out a strong political signal, diplomatic relations with the new State of Palestine would only be established, granted the full demilitarisation of Hamas and following democratic presidential and parliamentary elections.

Al Jazeera quoted Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot as saying that statehood would "only be formally recognised by royal decree when all captives held by Hamas are released".

Luxembourg, Malta and Andorra followed France and other countries on Monday in recognising Palestinian statehood during a conference at UN headquarters in New York.

World leaders have currently gathered in New York City for the UN General Assembly conference, where France and Belgium recognised Palestinian statehood. 

Portugal has also recognised the State of Palestine, following UK, Canada and Australia.