Germany has no immediate intentions to acknowledge Palestine as a state.
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, particularly the war in Gaza, the German government has maintained a balanced approach. Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government, yet it has not publicly endorsed any specific side in the conflict beyond voicing criticism over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and expressing a desire for long-term peace.
On Thursday, during a UN meeting in September, Berlin laid out four priorities where it said "long-overdue progress" was needed to end the war in Gaza. The priorities include a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a viable political perspective for Gaza. The German government's focus remains on finding a long-term solution to the conflict, rather than just a temporary ceasefire.
Stefan Kornelius, a spokesman, made this statement. The German government is in constant contact with the Israeli government and international partners regarding the situation in Gaza. If progress is not made in resolving the crisis, the German government is prepared to increase pressure.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, triggered by Israel's war on Hamas, has led to warnings of mass starvation. The German government has emphasized the need for Israel to significantly improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. However, it has not stated whether new German citizens must affirm Israel's right to exist.
Germany has been a strong ally of Israel and a supporter of its war against Hamas, but it has voiced criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. The German government regards the recognition of a Palestinian state as a final step towards a two-state solution. This stance was evident when France announced formal recognition of a Palestinian state, which provoked an angry reaction from Israel.
The German government is against any further steps toward annexation of the West Bank. Amid growing international alarm about the plight of over two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to hold a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the crisis.
It is important to clarify that there is no legal or official stipulation in German naturalization law that mandates applicants to explicitly pledge support for or recognize Israel's right to exist in order to obtain citizenship. The naturalization oath in Germany focuses on loyalty to the German Basic Law (constitution), not on international political affirmations.
- During the UN meeting in September, the German government, while maintaining its support for Israel's war against Hamas, also emphasized the need for a political solution to end the war in Gaza, stating four priorities essential for progress.
- As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deteriorates, the German government is in constant contact with international partners and Israel to find a long-term solution, and is prepared to increase pressure if necessary, while also focusing on the recognition of a Palestinian state as a final step towards a two-state solution.
