BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, the country’s foreign minister said Tuesday, joining a growing list of countries preparing to take the step as Israel steps up its offensive in Gaza.

Maxime Prévot said Belgium’s plans to recognize a Palestinian state will be announced at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 9.

However, the acknowledgment is predicated on two conditions — the return of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from political power in the coastal exclave. The conditions make it unlikely the recognition will be formalized anytime soon.

The announcement marks the latest sign of international support for a Palestinian state, and would add Belgium to a list of more than 140 countries to recognize Palestinian st

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