Germany has confirmed it will not recognize Palestine as a state unless it happens through direct negotiations with Israel. The announcement came Friday, just days after French President Emmanuel Macron said France might recognize Palestine during a planned peace conference in June. German officials stressed that lasting peace can only come from a two-state solution agreed upon by both sides.
Germany Maintains Longstanding Policy
Speaking at a press briefing in Berlin, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner said the country’s position remains unchanged.
“The German government’s position on this issue has not changed. It is and remains the goal of German foreign policy for Palestine to eventually exist as an independent state alongside Israel. This must be pursued within the framework of a negotiated two-state solution,” Wagner said.
Germany’s stance highlights its commitment to peace through dialogue, rather than through one-sided actions. The statement came as European debates on recognizing Palestine gain momentum.
France Eyes Possible June Recognition
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that France might officially recognize Palestine during an international conference. The event is expected to be co-hosted with Saudi Arabia in June.
“Our goal is to chair this conference (on Palestine) with Saudi Arabia sometime in June, where we could finalize this movement of mutual recognition by several parties,” Macron said.
His comments come at a time of growing calls for international action to stop the war in Gaza and restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Global Recognition of Palestine Growing
Currently, 147 out of the 193 United Nations member states recognize Palestine as an independent country. In 2023, Spain, Ireland, and Norway joined the list of EU nations that have offered formal recognition. They joined Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, and Romania.
Outside of the EU, countries like Ukraine, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Belarus have also recognized Palestinian statehood.
The global trend shows rising support for Palestine’s right to self-determination, especially in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Gaza Conflict Intensifies
Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly led to nearly 51,000 deaths, according to Palestinian sources. The violence has triggered urgent appeals for a political resolution.
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza have faced major obstacles. Israel stopped aid deliveries on March 2, shortly after the end of a temporary ceasefire and prisoner swap deal.
Germany has spoken out about the worsening humanitarian crisis. Christian Wagner emphasized Berlin’s stance on the importance of getting aid into the region.
“We are committed to ensuring that humanitarian aid gets into Gaza. There’s far too little at the moment. The situation is catastrophic,” Wagner said.
Germany Criticizes Israeli Minister’s Comments
Germany also criticized recent remarks by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich vowed to block all goods, including food, from entering Gaza.
“Smotrich has repeatedly attracted attention in the past with statements that were not helpful in the context of the current conflict,” Wagner noted.
Germany’s comments reflect broader concerns in Europe about Israel’s handling of the Gaza crisis and the urgent need for more humanitarian access.
Call for Renewed Diplomacy
With the situation in Gaza growing more dire, world leaders are urging a return to diplomacy. While some countries push ahead with unilateral recognition of Palestine, Germany insists that real peace requires both Israel and Palestine to sit down and negotiate.
This view aligns with long-standing international frameworks for peace, including the Oslo Accords and United Nations resolutions that call for a negotiated two-state solution.
As global momentum builds around recognizing Palestinian statehood, Germany stands firm in its belief that peace must come through dialogue—not declarations. While France and other nations may move toward recognition in June, Germany’s approach remains rooted in building a future where both Palestinians and Israelis can coexist in peace.
