The German Green Party has amended its Middle East policy, emphasizing Israel’s right to exist and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, while stopping short of calling on the German government to immediately recognize a Palestinian state. Party leader Franziska Brantner stated at the party congress in Hanover that there are three non-negotiable principles for the Greens: Israel’s right to exist, Palestinians’ right to self-determination, and “the dignity of every human being.” The party urged the German government not to obstruct a unified European stance and to allow for a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement if Israel continues to violate its obligations under international law, while exempting areas of research and civil society cooperation. The agreement provides free trade benefits and customs advantages between the EU and Israel and stipulates that relations must be based on respect for human rights.
Sources - Agencies
