Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday issued a sharp warning to Israel, saying Berlin would “respond” to any unilateral Israeli actions on Palestinian territories, amid growing international frustration over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Israeli government’s annexation rhetoric.
Speaking ahead of a diplomatic visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Wadephul stressed that Germany still supports recognition of a Palestinian state only as part of a negotiated two-state solution. However, he cautioned that open threats of annexation from Israeli ministers could prompt a policy shift in Berlin.
“The region and the Middle East peace process are at a crossroads,” Wadephul said. “Should unilateral steps be taken, Germany too will be compelled to respond.”
The comments come as Western powers, including Britain, France, and Canada, signal growing willingness to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this September, a move that Berlin has so far resisted. While Germany has historically been one of Israel’s staunchest allies, citing a moral obligation rooted in Holocaust history — public opinion is shifting.
A June poll showed 63% of Germans believe Israel’s military actions in Gaza have gone too far. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, long a pro-Israel figure, admitted this week that measures such as suspending parts of the EU-Israel partnership agreement are now “on the table” due to the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza.
Gaza’s death toll has now surpassed 60,000, with starvation and malnutrition increasingly claiming civilian lives. Health officials and aid groups have blamed Israel’s severe restrictions on humanitarian access.
Despite this, influential media outlets such as Bild, owned by Axel Springer, Germany’s largest media group, continue to defend Israel and criticize what they call a “moral campaign” against the country. Axel Springer mandates a pro-Israel stance in its editorial principles.
Wadephul’s visit, described as a fact-finding mission, is expected to test how far Berlin is willing to shift its long-standing support for Israel amid rising international and domestic calls for accountability and humanitarian relief.
Written By Rodney Mbua
