German Foreign Minister Warns Israel Faces Growing Diplomatic Isolation Over Gaza War

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Israel risks increasing diplomatic isolation due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing international support for Palestinian statehood. During his visit to Israel, Wadephul met with Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, emphasizing Germany's role in preventing Israel's isolation and calling for a fundamental improvement in conditions in Gaza. He also urged for a ceasefire, stating that temporary pauses in fighting are insufficient and pressed Hamas to release hostages. Wadephul highlighted that recent international developments, including a UN conference on Palestine boycotted by the US and Israel, indicate Israel is increasingly finding itself in the minority position. Although several European countries have moved toward recognizing a Palestinian state, Germany remains committed to a negotiated two-state solution and has not yet recognized Palestinian statehood. The German government stresses that recognition should come at the end of negotiations but insists that the process must begin immediately, warning that unilateral moves will prompt reactions from Berlin.