France, Sept. 2 -- Belgium has said it will recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this month, joining France and other western countries in a move that has angered Israel and the United States.

"In the face of the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists," Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot wrote on X on Tuesday, announcing Belgium's intention to recognise Palestine.

France and Saudi Arabia have led a diplomatic effort to urge countries to recognise a Palestinian state at a summit dur...