German Minister: Recognizing the Palestinian State Now Would Be a Bad Signal
Recognizing the Palestinian state “at this time” would be “a bad signal,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today.
His statement contradicts the aspirations of several European countries that support the recognition of Palestine.
“That process must be completed through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians before we can recognize a Palestinian state,” Wadephul said at a press conference in Berlin alongside his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar.
This is the position “we are also promoting to our European partners and friends,” the German minister added.
Several European countries, such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, have already recognized the Palestinian state.
France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have recently stated they are considering the move in light of the intensified Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip and the blockade of humanitarian aid.
Israel is facing growing international pressure to end the war, triggered by the attack of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023.
“Shocking” images from Gaza show that humanitarian aid is “insufficient,” Wadephul said, adding that he reiterated an urgent demand to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, in accordance “with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, and without restrictions.”
The Israeli minister said his country needs Germany’s support.
“Israel is facing military, legal, diplomatic, and economic attacks,” said Sa'ar.
Although Germany is one of the most loyal supporters of the Jewish state due to its responsibility for the Holocaust, Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Germany would withdraw its support due to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian territory.
Several dozen people protested today in front of the Foreign Ministry in Berlin over the visit of the Israeli minister.
The protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried banners reading “No support for war crimes in Gaza” and “Stop arms deliveries.”
