Germany reaffirms support for 2-state solution to decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict

BERLIN

Germany on Friday reiterated its strong support for a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.

Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer said at a press conference in Berlin that the two-state solution is the "only" promising way to create "a life in peace for Israelis and Palestinians."

While the current scenario is "seen as particularly complex and difficult," she acknowledged that the goal should be to strive toward a two-state solution.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on the Arab Gulf states to jointly work on a two-state solution.

"Only a return to the promise of a life side by side – in two states – can bring Israelis and Palestinians a life of peace, security, and dignity," Baerbock said ahead of her visit to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

“In this turmoil that can hardly be resolved, it is crucial not to lose perspective,” she said, stressing that “Israel's historic opportunity for peace with its Arab neighbors must not be destroyed.”

Baerbock also called for more diplomatic efforts to aid in the resolution of the Gaza crisis.

Even efforts to release people held by Hamas, give humanitarian access to Gaza, and prevent regional conflict from spreading have only "a chance of success if we pull together with the Arab Gulf states," the minister said.

Baerbock urged the Jewish state once again to do everything possible to protect civilian life in Gaza.

“Of course, Israel must do everything in its power to protect civilians. The prospect of humanitarian cease-fires is central to this. The people in Gaza urgently need supplies of the essentials – water, food, medicine – so that their suffering can be alleviated somewhat," she added.