Germany has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term and said its priority is to achieve “long-overdue progress“ towards a two-state solution. This was announced by a German government spokesman, quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
“Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government“, the spokesman stressed. “Therefore, no recognition of a Palestinian state is envisaged in the foreseeable future.“
He specified that such recognition could be “one of the last steps“ within the framework of a lasting and negotiated two-state solution.
The Palestinians have long sought the creation of an independent state, including the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem - territories occupied by Israel - with the aim of doing so through the mediation of an international peace initiative.
Berlin's position comes in response to a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced earlier this week that France would establish formal diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine. The initiative is part of a new European diplomatic push to end the war in Gaza.
The United States has categorically rejected Macron's proposal, saying that the time is not right for unilateral action.