Agency Report –
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has sharply criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza City and the West Bank during his first visit to the United Nations in New York.
“Across Gaza, people are living through hell on earth,” Wadephul said on Monday at a UN conference organized by France and Saudi Arabia to strengthen the two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
The foreign minister called for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians on a two-state solution – even though it “appears more distant than ever.”
“This decades-old conflict cannot be solved by terror, destruction and deaths. It can neither be won nor managed. It needs to be resolved,” he said.
Wadephul added that Germany will continue to strongly support Israel’s existence and long-term security, which he noted remain questioned by some.
Due to time constraints, Wadephul was unable to finish his speech. Speaking time was limited to two minutes and the microphone was switched off before he could complete his remarks.
Earlier, Wadephul told journalists that “the offensive on Gaza City is the completely wrong direction.”
With regard to Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank, the top German diplomat added: “Any steps towards an annexation of occupied territories in violation of international law also undermine the chance of a sustainable solution to the conflict.”
He also called the situation in Gaza “appalling.”
“What the region needs now is an immediate ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid for the suffering people and the immediate unconditional release of all hostages,” Wadephul urged.
Germany stands firm as pressure to follow Western allies mounts
Wadephul reiterated that, for Germany, recognizing a Palestinian state is more likely to come at the end of a process towards such a solution.
The German government has long called for a two-state solution negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians, which envisions Israel and an independent, democratic Palestinian state living peacefully side by side.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian militant organization Hamas reject this.
Berlin is under mounting pressure as its allies take the step in response to Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the state of Palestine on Sunday. France and Belgium followed on Monday at the UN conference, held ahead of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly.
In Berlin, government spokesman Sebastian Hille said, “We have a different assessment of the facts… We consider the recognition of a state of Palestine to be one of the final steps on the way to a two-state solution.”
Germany’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 Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to announce Germany’s position on the sanctions by an informal EU council meeting in Copenhagen on October 1, after consultations within his coalition government.
Domestic pressure
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.
