Merz: Germany Will Not Support Recognition of Palestine
(MENAFN) Germany will not support the recognition of Palestinian statehood, Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Tuesday, despite mounting international calls for Berlin to reconsider its stance amid the ongoing Israeli military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a press conference in Berlin, Merz reaffirmed that Germany would not follow the lead of nations such as Canada, Australia, and France, who are set to advocate for Palestine's recognition at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly next month.
“The Canadian government and the Canadian Prime Minister are well aware of the German federal government's position on the potential recognition of Palestine as a state. We will not support this initiative,” the conservative leader stated firmly.
When pressed on whether Germany’s position would shift in light of recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including Monday's hospital bombing that killed at least five journalists, several health workers, and rescue personnel, Merz responded unequivocally.
“We do not currently consider the conditions for state recognition to be met in any way, and as such, we remain divided on this issue. The events of the last few days and hours have not changed our stance,” Merz stated. “We will not follow this step if it appears on the United Nations General Assembly agenda in the late autumn. But once again, both governments are well aware of our differing views on this matter,” he added.
In recent months, the German government has ramped up its criticisms of Israel, particularly concerning the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the expansion of Israel’s military occupation in Gaza City. Although Germany has partially frozen arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, Merz has refrained from escalating political pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Additionally, Merz has rejected proposals from other EU member states to suspend key trade agreements with Israel or impose sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers.
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