German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a new order must be established in which Israelis, Palestinians and the countries of the region can live in peace and security.
In a statement published on Tuesday evening, Merz said the German government was working toward this goal and described the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as the best way to achieve peace and security in the Middle East.
Germany pledges to combat antisemitism
Merz argued that antisemitism had increased in Germany and that this trend had not been adequately countered. He said the government would do everything in its power to combat all forms of antisemitism, adding that Jews should be able to live throughout Germany without fear.
Palestine’s status at the United Nations
The Palestinian state is recognized by 160 of the 193 countries at the United Nations. Palestine is also a member of more than 100 international organizations and agreements.
Israel and the United States oppose these recognitions. The United States uses its veto power at the Security Council to prevent Palestine from obtaining full membership in the United Nations. Palestine has held the status of a "non-member observer state" since 2012.