Coming under increasing pressure by critics, the German government feels compelled to demonstrate that its “no” to EU financial sanctions against Israel does not imply that it agrees with Israel’s approach. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned Israel’s current offensive in Gaza City as “completely the wrong approach.” He also warned that “any steps toward annexing occupied territories in violation of international law” would undermine the chance of a lasting solution to the conflict.
In the run-up to the UNGA General Debate in New York, Wadephul calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the start of a two-state process with the Palestinians. “For Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state is more likely to come at the end of the process,” the CDU politician said before his departure. However, he added that the corresponding negotiation process must “begin now.”
“A Palestinian state is our goal,” Wadephul continued. There is no other way than the two-state solution. However, a Palestinian state must be achieved through negotiations. Ahead of the UN General Debate beginning tomorrow, the foreign minister plans to attend a conference in New York this afternoon organized by France and Saudi Arabia to strengthen the two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
In his statement, Wadephul also pointed out that “two years after the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there is still no end in sight to the conflict.” What the region needs now, he said, is “an immediate ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.”
