Berlin holds accountability to prevent Israel's international ostracization, as asserted by Germany's Foreign Minister.
Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has warned Israel against annexing Palestinian territories and condemned settler violence during a visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Wadephul, who met with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, expressed concern over the potential annexation, calling it illegal and a risk for Israel's diplomatic isolation. He also criticized Israeli settler attacks, urging for their prosecution.
In a clear stance against unilateral moves, Germany has rejected recognizing a Palestinian state before a negotiated agreement but has warned it may react to such actions. The German government urges Israel to clarify it will not pursue policies of expulsion or annexation to avoid isolation.
Despite opposition to annexation, Germany reiterates its historical commitment to Israel’s security. Wadephul emphasized Germany's "never-ending historical obligation" for Israel's security during his visit.
In a humanitarian effort, the German government is supporting the construction of a Maltese field hospital in Gaza City. The field hospital is intended to provide urgently needed basic medical care. Wadephul pledged additional aid for Gaza, announcing that Germany would provide the World Food Programme (WFP) with €5 million.
The visit also includes talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, where Wadephul is expected to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel to join these discussions, focusing on attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and plans for annexation of the territory by Israel.
Wadephul also called for an end to the war, directly addressing the militant group Hamas to release the remaining hostages being held captive in Gaza. Alongside this, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee will inspect food distribution in Gaza on Friday.
In summary, Germany warns Israel not to annex Palestinian territories, condemns settler violence, advocates for a two-state solution negotiated peacefully, and highlights risks of Israel's diplomatic isolation if annexation proceeds unilaterally. The German government maintains its support for Israel’s security while urging both sides to act responsibly.
Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, during his visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, not only warned Israel against annexing Palestinian territories but also criticized Israeli settler attacks, expressing concerns that such actions could lead to Israel's diplomatic isolation, a development the German government has mentioned as a possible consequence of unilateral moves. Additionally, in light of war-and-conflicts in the region, Wadephul called for an end to violence, directly addressing the militant group Hamas to release hostages being held captive in Gaza, as part of general-news discussions focusing on the situation of Palestinians.
