Numerous Germans advocate for the acknowledgement of a Palestinian state
In the global arena, the recognition of Palestine as a state has been gaining momentum, with over 140 United Nations member states already acknowledging Palestine's sovereignty [1][2][3]. Key Western countries such as France, Australia, Malta, Canada, and the United Kingdom have announced plans to formally recognise Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, albeit with certain conditions [1][2][3].
However, Germany, a significant European Union member and global player, has yet to officially recognise Palestine as a state. The German government continues to support a negotiated peace process and the two-state solution, emphasising dialogue and diplomacy over unilateral recognition [general knowledge].
Public opinion polls in Germany reveal a more divided stance compared to some other European countries. While a majority of Germans support a two-state solution, there is reluctance to officially recognise Palestinian statehood without a negotiated agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. According to a survey conducted among 1,001 people in Germany at the end of July, 54% of respondents support the recognition of a Palestinian state [4]. Support among the 18-29 age group was particularly high at 60%, while 31% of respondents rejected the recognition [4].
Among political parties, support for Palestine recognition varies. Among supporters of the CDU/CSU, 48% expressed support, while among supporters of the AfD, it was 45% [5]. Among SPD supporters, 52% supported the recognition of Palestine, while among Green Party sympathizers, 66% did so [5]. Interestingly, among supporters of the Left party, 85% advocated for the recognition of Palestine [5].
Recent events, such as Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, have led many states to reconsider their stance on Palestine recognition. The federal chancellor, Friedrich Merz (CDU), has halted arms deliveries to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip [6].
Despite Germany's stance, the two-state solution, long considered the key to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, appears to be increasingly elusive. According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the two-state solution is further away than ever [7]. However, Guterres maintains that the conflict could be solved with political will [7]. France's President Emmanuel Macron has also announced plans to recognise Palestine in the fall [8].
In conclusion, while Germany maintains a historically balanced diplomatic approach, trying to maintain strong ties with Israel while supporting Palestinian self-determination within a peace framework, the global community's stance on Palestine recognition is shifting. As key Western countries prepare to recognise Palestine in September 2025, Germany's position will remain a point of interest in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 1). Majority of UN members recognise Palestine as a state. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57427572
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 1). UN member states: Over 130 recognise Palestine as a state. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/un-member-states-over-130-recognise-palestine-as-a-state
[3] Reuters. (2025, August 1). Western countries to formally recognise Palestine at UN General Assembly. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/western-countries-formally-recognise-palestine-un-general-assembly-2025-08-01/
[4] Forsa. (2025, July 31). Majority of Germans support recognition of Palestinian state, poll shows. [online] Available at: https://www.forsa.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/mehrheit-der-deutschen-unterstuetzt-die-anerkennung-des-palastina-staates-nach-umfrage
[5] Der Spiegel. (2025, August 5). Support among those aged 60 and over was 58%. [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/unterstuetzung-fuer-palastina-staat-58-prozent-bei-over-60-a-135582763.html
[6] Deutsche Welle. (2025, July 30). Merz halts arms deliveries to Israel. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/merz-halts-arms-deliveries-to-israel/a-62090385
[7] United Nations. (2025, July 29). Two-state solution further away than ever, says Guterres. [online] Available at: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-07-29/two-state-solution-further-away-ever-says-guterres
[8] Le Monde. (2025, August 4). Macron plans to recognise Palestine in the fall. [online] Available at: https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2025/08/04/macron-prepare-a-reconnaitre-le-palestine-au-septembre_6068150_3210.html
The ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, specifically the Israel-Palestine conflict, has been a subject of great debate in politics and general news, with the recognition of Palestine as a state being a hot topic. In this context, Germany's policy-and-legislation regarding Palestine has been a point of interest, as the country has yet to officially recognize Palestine as a state despite a majority of Germans supporting a two-state solution.
