Germany walks tightrope over recognizing state of Palestine – DW – 09/23/2025

Germany Walks Tightrope Over Recognizing State of Palestine On Monday, September 23, 2025, several European countries announced their recognition of the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in New York. However, Germany was not among them. According to sources, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Andorra declared their support for Palestinian statehood, bringing the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 156. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal had already made similar announcements on Sunday. Germany's decision not to recognize Palestine has sparked debate among politicians and experts. "We are carefully considering our position," said a German government spokesperson. "Our goal is to find a two-state solution that ensures peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians." The Palestinian Authority views recognition by major states as a significant diplomatic victory, while Israel sees it as a threat to its existence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as "a reward for terror" for Hamas, which he accused of leading the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority's President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, saying it was "a major step towards achieving our national aspirations." He emphasized the importance of international support for a two-state solution. Background and context: The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been ongoing for decades. The issue of statehood is central to the negotiations, with both sides claiming historical and territorial rights. Germany's decision not to recognize Palestine reflects its commitment to a two-state solution, which aims to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Additional perspectives: Critics argue that recognition by European countries will only embolden Hamas and hinder peace efforts. "This move is premature and misguided," said a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Berlin. "It ignores the reality on the ground and undermines our efforts to achieve lasting peace." Supporters, however, see recognition as a necessary step towards international pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories. "Germany's hesitation is understandable, but ultimately, it will only delay the inevitable," said a spokesperson for the German chapter of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Current status and next developments: The German government has announced that it will continue to engage in diplomatic efforts with both sides. A spokesperson stated that Germany would support any initiative that leads to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The UN General Assembly is expected to discuss the recognition of Palestine further, with several countries likely to follow suit. In conclusion, Germany's decision not to recognize Palestine at this time reflects its commitment to a two-state solution and ongoing diplomatic efforts. While some see it as a missed opportunity for international pressure on Israel, others view it as a necessary step towards achieving lasting peace in the region. *Reporting by Dw.*