Berlin (TDI): Germany issued one of its sternest warnings yet to Israel on Thursday, cautioning that it would not stay silent in the face of unilateral actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The statement came amid rising concern across Europe over both Israel’s annexation rhetoric and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking before a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, reiterated Berlin’s support for a two-state solution but warned that Germany “will respond” if the Israeli government proceeds with unilateral steps.
His comments follow threats from members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition to formally annex parts of the West Bank.
Read More: Israel Mulls Annexing Parts of Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
“This is a critical juncture,” Wadephul said. “If unilateral steps are taken, Germany too will be compelled to act.”
He added that a Palestinian state should ideally be the outcome of direct negotiations but acknowledged that more and more countries are now prepared to recognize Palestinian statehood independently of such talks.
The death toll from nearly two years of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza crossed 60,000 this week.
Read More: European Commission Considers Removing Israel from Horizon Europe Program
A growing number of civilians are perishing from starvation and malnutrition, Gaza health authorities say, with images of starving children shocking the world and intensifying criticism of Israel over its curbs on aid into the enclave.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
