Germany not planning to recognize Palestinian state ‘in short term'
'Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government,' said the spokesperson.
'The German government therefore has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term,' he added.
Recognition of a Palestinian state would only come as one of the final steps in a two-state solution, said the spokesperson.
Palestinians have long sought to create an independent state in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem through a mediated peace process.
Many accuse Israel of having destroyed Palestinian statehood prospects through increased settlement building in the West Bank and by levelling much of Gaza during the current war.
Israel rejects this.
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