Recognition of Palestine: SPD politicians call for German initiative

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 promote the recognition of Palestine as part of a joint European initiative,” said Isabel Cademartori star“provided the hostages are released and a ceasefire is 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 Norwegian government said the Palestinians had a fundamental, independent right to their own state. “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,” the Norwegian government said in a press release.

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 Self-determination for the Palestinian people, peace is possible.” Stegner continued: “To achieve this, Germany must actively engage diplomatically – that is more important than unilaterally rushing ahead.”

“I am absolutely in favor of a two-state solution,” said SPD politician Daniela De Ridder star. There could be no other solution. “But above all, there must now be a ceasefire. I expect this from the Israeli government!” De Ridder also wanted to emphasize this as Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

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 remains contentious. This also applies to the political status of East Jerusalem. Israel strictly rejects recognizing 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.