Brussels: Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomed plans Tuesday by France, the UK, Canada and others to introduce restrictions on trade in goods from Israeli settlements, calling the move an 'important step.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Prevot expressed his support on US social media platform X, highlighting the collective decision by several countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, to align with Belgium in taking action against Israel's settlement policy. He emphasized the necessity for the international community to respond with concrete measures when international laws are breached and praised the efforts of his international colleagues.

Prevot also called on Israel to cease its settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, referencing a joint leaders' statement co-signed by Belgium on August 20. He reiterated Belgium's commitment to pursuing a 'comprehensive, just and lasting peace for the Israelis and the Palestinians based on the two-state solution.'

The declaration mentioned that France, the UK, and Canada intend to propose national measures to prohibit trade in goods originating from settlements deemed illegal under international law. It also acknowledged existing measures by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium.

UN data reveals that violence by Israeli occupiers has reached "unprecedented levels," with over 1,400 incidents resulting in casualties or property damage documented in 2026. Approximately 750,000 Israeli occupiers reside in 516 illegal settlements and outposts in the occupied territory, frequently displacing Palestinians from their land.