Germany rules out recognizing unilateral Palestinian statehood

German chancellor flatly rejects calls for Berlin to join Canada, Britain, France, and Australia in recognizing unilateral Palestinian statehood, says requirements for statehood have not been met.

By World Israel News Staff

Germany’s head of government announced Tuesday that Berlin will not take part in an initiative next month to recognize Palestinian statehood, explicitly rejecting calls for his country to join several other Western powers that plan to back Ramallah’s unilateral claim of statehood.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed reporters at a joint press conference in Berlin alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, fielding questions on the war in Gaza and plans by France, Britain, Australia, and Canada to officially recognize unilateral Palestinian statehood next month.

“The position of the federal government is clear as far as the possible recognition of the state of Palestine is concerned,” Merz said. “Canada knows this. We will not join this initiative. We don’t see the requirements met.”

Merz’s comments Tuesday echoed those made by a government spokesperson last Friday who emphasized that Berlin would only back a final-status agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinian Authority rather than unilateral steps.

“A negotiated two-state solution remains our goal even if it seems a long way off today,” the spokesperson said. “Recognition of Palestine is more likely to come at the end of such a process. Right now, it would undermine efforts toward peace.”

During Tuesday’s press conference, Merz also appeared to defend the Israeli military from accusations it intentionally struck journalists on Monday, when tank fire struck Nasser Hospital in Gaza.

“But the Israeli army and the Israeli government have both promised to launch a comprehensive investigation into this incident,” Merz said. “And I would like to wait for the results of this investigation before making a final judgment.”

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claimed 20 people were killed at Nasser Hospital on Monday, five of whom were identified as journalists.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement lamenting the incident, which it called a “tragic mishap,” and vowed to probe the matter.

“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”