The German government said on Friday it does not intend to recognize a Palestinian state at this stage, warning that such a step could hinder rather than help efforts to achieve peace between
Israelis and Palestinians.
A government spokesperson told reporters in Berlin that Germany continues to support a negotiated two-state solution, under which Israel and a future Palestinian state would exist side by side. However, officials believe that recognition of Palestinian statehood should come at the end of such talks, not beforehand.
“A negotiated two-state solution remains our goal, even if it feels distant today,” the spokesperson said. “Recognition of Palestine would more appropriately come at the conclusion of such a process, and doing so now would be counterproductive.”
The remarks come as several European countries have debated whether to move toward recognition of Palestinian statehood in response to the prolonged conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Some governments argue that formal recognition could give Palestinians stronger standing in peace negotiations, while others — including Germany — fear it could harden positions and reduce incentives for compromise.
Germany has long emphasized its close ties with Israel, rooted in the country’s post-World War Two history, but it also provides humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinians. Berlin has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for steps to prevent further escalation in the region.
The debate over Palestinian recognition has gained momentum in Europe since May, when several countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, formally recognized a Palestinian state. While those moves were welcomed by Palestinian leaders, Israel strongly condemned them, saying they rewarded Hamas and undermined peace efforts.
German officials insist that Berlin’s position is not a rejection of Palestinian statehood, but rather a question of timing. “Our commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering,” the spokesperson said. “But lasting peace requires negotiations, and unilateral steps risk making that harder to achieve.” Photo by Leonhard Lenz, Wikimedia commons.