Germany’s The Left has called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government to follow its Western partners in recognising a Palestinian state.
The leader of the far-left party, Ines Schwerdtner, told dpa that “courage in this hour means choosing the right side.”
Hesitating, she said, would be to fail to recognise the urgency of the situation in Gaza.
Berlin has insisted the time is not right to recognise a Palestinian state in spite of mounting pressure as its allies take the step in response to Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognised the state of Palestine on Sunday.
It is done with France and Belgium expected to do so on Monday at a conference on the two-state solution ahead of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly.
Ahead of his flight to New York to attend the conference.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that “for Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state is more likely to come at the end of the process.”
“But this process must begin now,” he argued.
Schwerdtner said Merz’s government is “turning a blind eye to the immeasurable suffering in Gaza.”
“Recognising Palestine is more than just a symbol: it is a clear signal that a peaceful future in the Middle East is only possible on the basis of a two-state solution.”
The Left, which is experiencing a resurgence in German politics after earning 8.8per cent of the vote in February’s parliamentary elections.
The party has called for a comprehensive arms embargo against Israel and the suspension of the EU’s association agreement with the country.
NAN
