Germany not planning to recognize Palestinian state in short term
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Germany has stated it will not recognize a Palestinian state in the near future, prioritizing progress toward a "two-state solution".
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A boy waves a Palestinian flag as demonstrators march during a protest in support of Palestinians and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in Barcelona, Spain, on January 20, 2024 (AP)
Germany has made it clear that it does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state in the near future, prioritizing instead advancing what it sees as "long-overdue progress" toward a "two-state solution", according to a government spokesperson on Friday.
"Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government," the spokesperson emphasized. "The German government therefore has no plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term."
France to recognize Palestine, Italy preconditions recognizing 'Israel'
This statement follows France’s announcement yesterday to seek recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, a move that has been met with criticism from both "Israel" and the United States.
In a post on X, Macron said the formal recognition will be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved," he wrote.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, remarked on Friday that any recognition of a Palestinian state must come with the recognition of "Israel" by the new entity. "A Palestinian state that does not recognise Israel means that the problem will not be resolved," Tajani stated during a meeting of his conservative Forza Italia party.
Abbas hails France, calls for more recognition
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, attributing the move in part to Saudi Arabia’s influential role. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abbas praised Saudi leadership, particularly Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, for their efforts over the past year in encouraging France's recognition.
Abbas also called on other nations, especially those in Europe that have yet to recognize Palestine, to follow in France’s footsteps and support the internationally backed "two-state solution".
A source close to the Saudi royal court confirmed Riyadh's diplomatic push in this regard. Meanwhile, critics argue that "Israel" has undermined the viability of a Palestinian state through expanding West Bank settlements and the widespread destruction in Gaza amid the ongoing war. "Israel" denies these claims.
