German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday said his country has no plans to recognise an independent Palestinian state “in the foreseeable future,” despite growing calls for Berlin to change its position over Israel’s brutal war and ethnic cleansing policies in Gaza, Anadolu reports.
“What matters now is implementing this peace plan step by step, and none of us knows today what the outcome will be. Because this is the case, the federal government, unlike other European states, has refrained from recognising a Palestinian state at this early stage. We will not do so in the foreseeable future either…,” said Merz at a press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
“The German federal government remains of the opinion that recognition of a Palestinian state should come at the end—not the beginning—of such a process (peace negotiations),” he added.
The German leader reiterated: “A two-state solution can only be achieved through negotiations.”
Merz said that they were working “towards the goal of a new Middle East” in which the state of Israel would also be recognised.
“We are convinced that the prospective establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel probably offers the best prospect for this future,” he added.
A staunch supporter of Israel during its genocide in Gaza, the German government has faced mounting public criticism for its unconditional support for Israel.