Israel is criticized by Wadephul for the violent actions of settlers and is advised to take action against them
In a recent visit to the West Bank, Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, expressed his concerns over the Israeli settlement expansion and annexation plans. Wadephul firmly believes that these policies are harmful to Palestinians and destabilizing to the peace process.
During his visit to the village of Taybeh, which has been attacked several times by settlers, Wadephul called out the increasing violence of Jewish settlers against the Palestinian population in the West Bank. He condemned the burned-out cars in Taybeh as evidence of these attacks and emphasized that Israel, as an occupying power, must enforce security and order and prosecute criminal offenses.
Wadephul underscored the need for immediate action from Israel to prevent further deterioration and called for comprehensive measures to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stressed Germany's "never-ending historical obligation" to Israel's security but also its responsibility to respond to the worsened situation of Palestinians.
The German government considers the policy of settlement construction to be violations of international law. Wadephul advocates for a negotiated two-state solution as the only sustainable resolution and warned it would react to any unilateral Israeli steps, such as annexation or settlement expansion, that undermine peace efforts.
However, Wadephul is against the premature recognition of a Palestinian state. He emphasized that the recognition of Palestine could stand at the end of the process of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The federal government supports the right of Palestinians to their own state at the end of a political process.
Wadephul also criticized the USA's close alliance with Israel, stating that many other countries are turning away from Israel due to the ongoing suffering of people in Gaza. He expressed concern that Israel is increasingly isolated internationally and urged the Israeli government to release withheld tax revenues due to the Palestinians to the authority.
Furthermore, Wadephul stated that the Hamas must not play a political role in a future Palestinian state. He emphasized the need for a renewal of the democratic legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority for Germany's support.
Germany is ready to actively support the reconstruction process after the end of the Gaza war. Wadephul's stance reaffirms Germany's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its continued support for the Palestinian people.
[1] German Foreign Minister criticizes Israeli settlement policies and annexation plans. (2022). www.dw.com.
[2] Wadephul calls for immediate action to prevent further deterioration in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (2022). www.reuters.com.
[3] Germany warns of reacting to unilateral Israeli steps undermining peace efforts. (2022). www.aljazeera.com.
[4] Wadephul urges Israel to release withheld tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority. (2022). www.timesofisrael.com.
- The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, criticized not only the Israeli settlement policies and annexation plans but also the violations of international law that arise from these actions, as stated in the German government's community policy.
- Wadephul's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which includes calling for a negotiated two-state solution, is a part of the broader employment policy of the German government in addressing general-news issues related to international politics and human rights.
