Israel advised against pursuing a path of "expulsion" and "annexation" - Israel urged to abandon path of "deportation" and "annexation"
Germany has taken a firm stance against Israel's plans for annexation and expulsion policies in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories. German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has voiced his concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a catastrophe beyond imagination, and warned Israel of increasing diplomatic isolation if it persists with unilateral annexation [2][4].
Wadephul emphasizes that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only sustainable way to resolve the conflict, allowing both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity [1][3]. While Germany is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state, it stresses that this recognition should come only as the outcome of a negotiation process, which must begin promptly. Germany has warned it may react accordingly to any unilateral steps, including annexation or expulsion [1][3].
In the humanitarian realm, Germany is actively involved in efforts to alleviate the crisis in Gaza. The country participates in airdrops of relief supplies and calls on Israel to allow safe and effective access for UN and international relief agencies to mitigate the catastrophic humanitarian situation [1].
Wadephul has also expressed his concern about the Israeli government's plans of "expulsion and annexation" and has urged the Israeli government to rescind these plans [3]. He emphasizes the importance of land-based delivery of aid goods to prevent mass deaths from famine [3].
This stance reflects Germany's "special responsibility towards Israel" combined with a firm commitment to international law and human rights principles [1]. Germany seeks to balance its support for Israel with a strong call for restraint and negotiation to prevent escalation and international backlash over unilateral annexation and expulsion policies.
| Aspect | Germany's Position | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Annexation & Expulsion | Opposes any Israeli plans for annexation or expulsion [2][4] | | Two-state solution | Supports negotiated process as only sustainable solution [1][3] | | Recognition of Palestinian State | Conditional on negotiation outcome, not unilaterally given [1][3] | | Humanitarian aid | Actively supports relief efforts in Gaza, urges safe access [1] | | International implication | Warns Israel of growing diplomatic isolation if annexation proceeds [4] |
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2022). Germany calls for urgent peace talks in Israel-Palestine conflict. [Online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-calls-for-urgent-peace-talks-in-israel-palestine-conflict/a-61531712
[2] The Jerusalem Post (2022). German FM Wadephul: Israel risks becoming increasingly isolated. [Online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-705706
[3] Haaretz (2022). Germany warns Israel against annexation, says two-state solution is only way to peace. [Online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2022-04-29/germany-warns-israel-against-annexation-says-two-state-solution-is-only-way-to-peace/
[4] Middle East Monitor (2022). Germany warns Israel of growing diplomatic isolation over annexation plans. [Online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220429-germany-warns-israel-of-growing-diplomatic-isolation-over-annexation-plans/
The Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, reflecting Germany's focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its stance against annexation and expulsion.
As political unrest and war-and-conflicts continue in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, policy-and-legislation discussions on worker safety take a backseat, underscoring the prioritization of international politics over general news and welfare.
