German Foreign Minister: We have no immediate plans to recognize a Palestinian state
August 1, 202560 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephol sought to soften his previous comments regarding his country's position on the Palestinian state during a trip to the West Bank on Friday, stating that Germany has no immediate plans to recognize a Palestinian state.
Wadephol's comment came after sharp criticism from Israeli officials due to his earlier suggestion, before leaving for the visit, that Germany might respond to any unilateral Israeli actions by recognizing a Palestinian state.
Itamar Ben Gvir, a minister from the far-right faction in the Israeli government, wrote on the X platform, "After 80 years of the Nazi Holocaust, Germany returns to supporting Nazism."
After Wadephol's meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and Israeli President on Thursday evening, he clarified on Friday that Germany does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state yet "because this is one of the final steps that need to be taken" within the framework of a two-state solution.
He also called on Israel to ensure the secure access of United Nations organizations to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, stating that current restrictions exacerbate the crisis.
Wadephol said, "The humanitarian disaster in Gaza must end now," emphasizing that the distribution of aid through the United Nations has been effective for a long time and should be resumed without obstacles.
He noted that Germany will provide an additional five million euros to the United Nations World Food Programme to support bakeries and kitchens and to fund a field hospital in Gaza City.
When asked about Israel's concerns regarding the possibility of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) diverting aid, Wadephol acknowledged that the misuse of aid cannot be completely ruled out, but he said that this is not a reason to obstruct relief efforts.
He added, "The best way to prevent Hamas from misusing supplies is to provide more aid and ensure full coverage of the population."
He condemned the increasing violence from Israeli settlers in the West Bank, stating that Berlin will continue to pressure at the European level to impose sanctions on settlers who commit acts of violence.
Wadephol's comment came after sharp criticism from Israeli officials due to his earlier suggestion, before leaving for the visit, that Germany might respond to any unilateral Israeli actions by recognizing a Palestinian state.
Itamar Ben Gvir, a minister from the far-right faction in the Israeli government, wrote on the X platform, "After 80 years of the Nazi Holocaust, Germany returns to supporting Nazism."
After Wadephol's meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and Israeli President on Thursday evening, he clarified on Friday that Germany does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state yet "because this is one of the final steps that need to be taken" within the framework of a two-state solution.
He also called on Israel to ensure the secure access of United Nations organizations to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, stating that current restrictions exacerbate the crisis.
Wadephol said, "The humanitarian disaster in Gaza must end now," emphasizing that the distribution of aid through the United Nations has been effective for a long time and should be resumed without obstacles.
He noted that Germany will provide an additional five million euros to the United Nations World Food Programme to support bakeries and kitchens and to fund a field hospital in Gaza City.
When asked about Israel's concerns regarding the possibility of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) diverting aid, Wadephol acknowledged that the misuse of aid cannot be completely ruled out, but he said that this is not a reason to obstruct relief efforts.
He added, "The best way to prevent Hamas from misusing supplies is to provide more aid and ensure full coverage of the population."
He condemned the increasing violence from Israeli settlers in the West Bank, stating that Berlin will continue to pressure at the European level to impose sanctions on settlers who commit acts of violence.
