German opposition demands recognizing Palestinian state

BERLIN

Germany’s radical leftist opposition party, The Left (Die Linke), urged the government on Thursday to support the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

The move is in the interest of Israel's security because only a Palestinian state can fight Hamas and other extremists, its foreign policy spokesman Gregor Gysi told public broadcaster, MDR.

He had suggested to his parliamentary faction that they also submit a motion for the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

“Palestinians can fight Hamas and other terrorist organizations much more effectively than Israel. Israel can only do this militarily. The Palestinians can also do it with internal structures,” he told MDR.

In Germany, there are particular inhibitions about speaking in favor of the recognition of Palestine because of the Holocaust, according to the outspoken lawmaker.

“Nevertheless, we also have to give ourselves a push. There are very, very many states that have now recognized the state of Palestine. You shouldn’t miss such a train of time and then be the last or penultimate to take this step,” said Gysi.

He argued that recognition was “precisely in the interest of Israel’s security,” saying it is not just about the Palestinians, but also about a safe Israel.

"And if there is no state that can fight Hamas and the like, the whole thing ultimately won't work," he added.

Norway and the two EU countries, Ireland and Spain, announced earlier this week they would recognize Palestine as a separate state by the end of May.

The three states hope it will provide impetus for a two-state solution that aims to ensure peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Germany said Wednesday that conditions were not yet conducive to recognize an independent Palestine after Ireland, Spain and Norway announced they would support the move.

“An independent state of Palestine remains a fixed goal of German foreign policy. It's about a political process with the aim of a two-state solution which the federal government considers urgent,” Deputy Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer told reporters in Berlin.

A negotiated two-state solution “is necessary and more urgent than ever" as we must "find a solution to this dramatic conflict," she added.