August 21, 2025 | 03:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Johann Wadephul, reaffirmed his country's support for Israel, during a meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
"As the largest Muslim country, Indonesia has a special interest in the wellbeing of the suffering Palestinians," said Wadephul, while acknowledging the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza.
According to Wadephul, Germany supports Israel's struggle against what he referred to as the terrorist organization, Hamas. But he stressed that Israel must take further steps to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
Wadephul maintained that ceasefire at the time is urgent, and said Hamas has agreed to the proposal while Israel has yet to respond. "I believe it is in all of our interests if this terrible conflict can be resolved through peace process," said Wadephul.
He reaffirmed Germany's support for a two-state solution as a long-term way out of the Israel-Palestine crisis. "The goal for all of us is clear: a two-state solution, which must be negotiated," he said.
No Plan to Recognize Palestinian Statehood
Despite pushing for peace, the German government has no current plan to recognize Palestine as a state. Government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, stated that the recognition of Palestine can only be done as a final step in the process towards a two-state solution.
"The German government's priority now is to achieve long-overdue progress on the most urgent issues," Kornelius said in a statement in Berlin. The issues include ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and the disarmament of this group.
Kornelius also urged Israel to improve the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. "It must provide the suffering civilian population with humane, urgently needed care," he said. He added that Germany will continue to help create preconditions for the Palestinian state, including support for the Palestinian Authority.
Germany's stance on Israel is facing internal political pressure. As reported by Anadolu, French President Emmanuel Macron previously stated that Paris would recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. However, Berlin still rejects a similar step.
The coalition government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also divided. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), a coalition partner, pushes for an arms embargo against Israel and the suspension of the European Union's association agreement with Tel Aviv. According to Der Spiegel report, about 130 German diplomats even formed an internal group demanding a change in Israel's policy.
Kornelius emphasized that the German government continues to engage with Israel and international partners. "It is ready to increase the pressure if progress is lacking," he said.
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