Luxembourg intends to recognize the state of Palestine

According to local media, a final decision on recognition is expected to be made later this month at the UN General Assembly in New York, in coordination with several other countries, including France and Belgium, Politico reports.

Monday's announcement comes after months of reluctance by the Luxembourg government and amid growing calls from European leaders to end Israel's war in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel.

Last week, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU executive would take a tougher line on Israel over the war, suspending payments to the country and sanctioning what she called "extremist ministers" and violent settlers.

On Friday, the UN General Assembly voted to adopt a declaration that contains "tangible, time-limited and irreversible steps" towards a two-state solution in the region, before the body's meeting on September 22, according to the Brussels portal.