A recent survey indicates that most Germans support granting formal recognition to a Palestinian state, despite the federal government’s current opposition to such a move.
The poll, conducted by the Forsa Institute for the foreign policy journal Internationale Politik, found that 54% of respondents answered “Yes” when asked whether Germany should recognise Palestine as an independent state. About 31% were against the idea.
The survey, which involved 1,001 participants and was carried out in late July, revealed slightly higher support in eastern Germany (59%) compared to the west (53%). Backing was also strongest among young adults aged 18–29 (60%) and those aged 60 and above (58%).
Political affiliation appeared to influence responses. Among supporters of The Left party, 85% favoured recognition, while the figure stood at 66% for Green Party voters and 52% for Social Democrats. In contrast, support was lower among backers of the conservative CDU/CSU bloc (48%) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (45%).
Germany’s government continues to advocate for a two-state solution, envisioning Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace. Officials maintain that recognising Palestine should come only at the conclusion of a negotiated peace settlement.
Currently, nearly 150 of the United Nations’ 193 member states recognise Palestine. The poll comes as Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip—resulting in tens of thousands of deaths—prompt more countries to consider formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.
French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France will formally recognise Palestine in September.Similarly, Canada and the United Kingdom have expressed readiness to grant recognition, though both countries have attached specific conditions to the move.