Germany’s Foreign Minister Highlights Growing Isolation of Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
BERLIN: On Thursday, Germany’s foreign minister expressed concerns about Israel’s increasing diplomatic isolation due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the efforts by some nations to recognize a Palestinian state.
Johann Wadephul made this statement before his upcoming visit to Israel, noting that a recent UN conference aimed at promoting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was boycotted by both the US and Israel. He remarked that this boycott indicates that “Israel is finding itself increasingly in the minority.”
Germany has long been a strong supporter of Israel, but Wadephul pointed out that, given the threats of annexation by parts of the Israeli government, many European countries are now inclined to recognize Palestine without prior negotiations.
Last week, over 70 Israeli lawmakers, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, passed a motion urging the government to assert control over the occupied West Bank.
While Wadephul reiterated Germany’s stance that the recognition of a Palestinian state should occur after negotiations, he stressed that “this process must begin now” and that Germany will respond to any unilateral actions taken by Israel.
Regarding Gaza, where over two million residents face an escalating crisis, Wadephul called for Israel to allow more aid into the region “immediately, comprehensively, and sustainably” to address the “dramatic” situation.
He mentioned that while airlifts—of which Germany plans to be a part—are a viable way to deliver aid, they cannot replace the need for land deliveries. Wadephul emphasized that only overland routes can provide sufficient aid to the population and that Germany is urgently working to re-establish these routes.
During his visit, Wadephul is anticipated to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, President Isaac Herzog, and Prime Minister Netanyahu. He also plans to travel to the West Bank to engage with Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas.
