Agency Report –
Germany on Monday insisted the time is not right to follow its Western partners in recognizing a Palestinian state.
“We have a different assessment of the facts,” said government spokesman Sebastian Hille in Berlin. “We consider the recognition of a state of Palestine to be one of the final steps on the way to a two-state solution.”
Berlin is under mounting pressure as its allies take the step in response to Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the state of Palestine on Sunday, with France and Belgium expected to do so on Monday at a conference on the two-state solution ahead of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly.
Ahead of his flight to New York to attend the conference, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that “for Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state is more likely to come at the end of the process.”
“But this process must begin now,” he argued.
The German government has long advocated for a two-state solution, which both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas reject.
However, Berlin’s position seems increasingly out of line with its partners in the European Union.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined a package of sanctions on Israel, including ending trade concessions and targeting far-right ministers.
Hille said Merz intends to announce Germany’s position on the sanctions by the informal EU council meeting in Copenhagen on October 1 after consultations within his coalition government.
Pressure is also mounting domestically, with the leader of The Left party, Ines Schwerdtner, calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state.
She told dpa on Monday that “courage in this hour means choosing the right side.”
Hesitating would be to fail to recognize the urgency of the situation in Gaza, she added.
Schwerdtner said Merz’s government is “turning a blind eye” to the “immeasurable suffering in Gaza.”
“Recognizing Palestine is more than just a symbol: it is a clear signal that a peaceful future in the Middle East is only possible on the basis of a two-state solution.”
The Left, which is experiencing a resurgence in German politics after earning 8.8% of the vote in February’s parliamentary elections, is calling for a comprehensive arms embargo against Israel and the suspension of the EU’s association agreement with the country.
But the government continues to insist that the two-state solution remains the best way to end the conflict.
“What the region needs now is an immediate ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza and the immediate, unconditional release of the hostages,” Wadephul said ahead of his flight to New York.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza City is completely the wrong approach, he added. “Any steps towards annexing occupied territories in violation of international law also undermine the chance of a lasting solution to the conflict.”
“As far as it may seem at the moment, a negotiated two-state solution is the way to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity,” Wadephul continued.
