German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 30, 2025. (Shutterstock)
Portugal set to join UK, France, and Canada in recognizing unilateral Palestinian statehood in September. German foreign minister says steps must be taken now to achieve statehood.
By World Israel News Staff
Portugal has decided to recognize unilateral Palestinian statehood in September, the country’s foreign minister announced Thursday, while Germany is demanding progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told the SIC news site that his country will recognize unilateral Palestinian statehood in September, alongside at least 14 other countries, including France, the UK, and Canada.
“This was agreed upon by all of us. President Macron doesn’t decide alone, and we follow suit,” Rangel said. “It’s a matter we’re deciding together. ”
Germany, which has thus far declined to back unilateral Palestinian statehood, called for progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state while warning against “unilateral steps,” without specifying whether this comment was directed at Ramallah’s bid for recognition or Israeli plans to apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
“Germany will continue to advocate that Hamas finally sets free the hostages, which include German nationals, is disarmed and no longer exerts political influence in the Palestinian territories,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said before departing for Israel on Thursday.
“It must never again pose a threat to Israel.”
Wadephul emphasized German support for Palestinian statehood and called for immediate progress towards the establishment of such a state.
“Germany is convinced that in order to resolve the conflict permanently, a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to enable people on both sides to live in peace, security and dignity.”
“Germany regards recognition of a Palestinian state as a step more at the end of the process. However, such a process must now begin.”
“Germany will not deviate from this goal,” Wadephul added. “Germany will be forced to react to any unilateral steps.”
Israel, he warned, “is finding itself increasingly in the minority.”
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to Wadephul’s comments, accusing Berlin of “returning” to Nazism.
“80 years after the Holocaust, and Germany is returning to supporting Nazism,” Ben-Gvir tweeted.
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The two countries have also held joint training exercises between their militaries.