Germany: A ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution is the only path to peace
Germany has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the two-state solution as the basis for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, during its participation in the United Nations General Assembly meetings.
In press statements before his departure to New York, German Minister Johan Wadephol criticized the Israeli attack on the city of Gaza, describing it as "completely the wrong course." He also called for an immediate political process with the Palestinians, noting that "recognition of a Palestinian state should rather come at the end of the process... but this process must start now."
Wadephol clarified that his country's goal is to "establish a Palestinian state and support the two-state solution," considering this solution to be the only guarantee for peace despite its current difficulties, stating: "No matter how distant the negotiated two-state solution may seem at the moment, it is the way that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity."
The minister emphasized that achieving this goal must be through negotiations and not coercion, saying: "No one should pursue a policy of imposing will at any cost... The path of understanding, compromise, and negotiations remains the difficult and exhausting middle way. But we support this path."
Wadephol also urged for an "immediate ceasefire, more humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages," considering these to be the urgent needs of the region.
The German minister is scheduled to later participate in a conference organized by Saudi Arabia and France on promoting the two-state solution, ahead of the discussions at the United Nations General Assembly.
This German stance is part of a long-standing policy advocated by the German government, as reported by the DPA news agency, which aims for "a two-state solution through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, where Jews and Palestinians live peacefully side by side in separate states."
This position coincides with the declared opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to this solution, at a time when the call for recognition of the State of Palestine is gaining increasing international momentum, with Belgium and New Zealand announcing their intention to recognize it, following the symbolic step taken by Britain, Canada, and Australia on Sunday.
