The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on Wednesday for the rest of the world to follow Belgium’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine and impose sanctions on the Israeli occupation government.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the OIC welcomed Belgium’s announcement of its intention to recognize the State of Palestine and impose sanctions on the Israeli occupation government, emphasizing Belgium’s firm commitment to the principles of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, particularly those affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The organization renewed its call to all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to declare such recognition and to support Palestine’s full membership application at the United Nations, as part of efforts to achieve peace and implement the two-state solution based on relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prévot announced on Tuesday that his country would recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York this September, joining other countries including France and Canada.