Middle East conflict
SPD politicians call for German initiative to recognize Palestine
The flag of Palestine flies at a rally in Berlin
© Monika Skolimowska / DPA
Spicy advance in the Middle East conflict: Several European countries want to recognize Palestine as a state. SPD politicians welcome the move, but under conditions.
After several European countries announced that they would recognize Palestine as a state, SPD politicians are also in favor of a German initiative – under conditions. “Germany should receive recognition as part of a joint European initiative Palestine,” Isabel Cademartori told the star“provided the hostages are released and a ceasefire agreed”.
The recognition of Palestine could be an “important first step” towards a lasting political solution to the Middle East conflict, the aim of which is the peaceful coexistence of Israel with a Palestinian state that does not threaten Israel’s security. SPD politician Cademartori emphasized that Poland and France had also shown themselves open to recognizing Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
On Wednesday, Norway, Ireland and Spain announced that they would recognize Palestine as a state. The step will be formally implemented on May 28th. The recognition is “an expression of unreserved support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine and their peoples,” said Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris.
The Palestinians have a fundamental, independent right to their own state, the Norwegian government said. “Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace in separate states. There can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution,” said a press release from the Norwegian government.
Israel strictly rejects recognition of Palestine
SPD politician Ralf Stegner welcomes the initiative. “Perhaps these steps will help on the way to a two-state solution – without which there will be no peace,” Stegner told the star. “Only if security for Israel and When self-determination for the Palestinian people comes together, peace is possible.” Stegner continued: “Germany must actively engage diplomatically to achieve this – that is more important than rushing forward unilaterally.”
The majority of United Nations member states now recognize Palestine as a state. However, this does not apply to major Western nations such as the USA and the majority of EU countries, including Germany, France and Great Britain. Germany is also committed to a two-state solution, but sees the recognition of Palestine as the result of direct negotiations between the conflict parties.
Critics complain that the Palestinian territories lack important criteria for such a step. For example, the border between Israel and the Palestinians is still disputed. This also applies to the political status of East Jerusalem. Israel strictly rejects the recognition of Palestine and immediately recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway.
“I am sending a clear and unambiguous message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who undermine its sovereignty and threaten its security,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on Platform X. “Today’s decision sends a message the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays,” said Katz.
This step is an injustice to the memory of the victims of October 7th, when the Islamist Hamas carried out a massacre in Israel with its terrorist attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis. “Israel will not remain silent – there will be further serious consequences,” Katz wrote. “If Spain implements its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, there will be similar steps.” Spain has long been one of the harshest critics in Europe of Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. The left-wing government suspended all arms exports to Israel in October.