BERLIN

Unlike France, Germany said on Friday it will not recognize Palestine as a state in the short term despite global pressure.

Germany sees recognition as "one of the final steps" on the path to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. This must be achieved through negotiations to bring lasting peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians, said government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius in a statement in Berlin.

"The German government's priority now is to achieve long-overdue progress on the most urgent issues," he said, which included a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages by the Hamas, and its disarmament.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that Paris will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.

The center-right government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been divided on its Israel policy as the co-ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) has urged a tougher stance on Tel Aviv.

The SPD recently again called for a halt to German arms exports to Israel and a freeze on the EU Association Agreement with Israel.

Criticism is also being voiced among current diplomats. According to a report by the Der Spiegel news magazine, around 130 officials at the Foreign Ministry have formed an internal group demanding a change in Germany's Israel policy.

Meanwhile, the government spokesperson reiterated its call for Israel to "immediately and drastically improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza."

"It must provide the suffering civilian population with humane, urgently needed care," Kornelius said.

Besides, a viable political perspective for Gaza is necessary so that a temporary ceasefire can become a lasting peace. Israel must also not take "any further steps toward annexing the West Bank," he added.

The spokesman said the German government is in constant dialogue with the Israeli government and its international partners on this matter. "It is ready to increase the pressure if progress is lacking."

He said Berlin will continue its assistance in creating the conditions for Palestinian statehood, such as supporting the Palestinian Authority.