Germany Refuses Palestinian State Recognition Amid Rising International Support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly stated that Germany will not join countries like Canada, France, and the UK in recognizing Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly, emphasizing that the conditions for such recognition have not been met. Despite increasing international support for Palestinian recognition amid Israel's military operations in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis, including a recent deadly strike on Nasser Hospital, Germany maintains its stance as a final step toward a two-state solution. Merz announced a partial arms embargo on Israel in response to its escalation plans but rejected calls for stronger political pressure or sanctions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron have justified their decisions to recognize Palestine by citing the declining prospects for peace, while the UK has threatened recognition if certain conditions are unmet. Merz highlighted that recent events, including the outbreak of famine in Gaza, have not altered Germany's position and that Berlin will abstain from the recognition initiative despite pressure from allies. This divergence underscores a split among Western partners on how to respond to the ongoing conflict and the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations.