Majority of Germans back recognition of Palestinian state: Survey

A majority of Germans support formally recognizing Palestine as an independent state, a stance that contrasts with the current position of their government, according to a new opinion survey.

The poll, published Sunday by Berlin-based foreign policy outlet Internationale Politik, found that 54 percent of respondents favoured recognizing Palestinian statehood, while 31 percent opposed it. Support was strongest among younger Germans and voters aligned with left-leaning opposition parties.

Among supporters of The Left Party, 85 percent backed recognition, followed by 66 percent of Green Party voters and 52 percent of Social Democrats (SPD). The numbers were lower among the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union alliance (48 percent) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 45 percent.

A separate DeutschlandTrend survey for public broadcaster ARD, released Thursday, showed even stronger sentiment for a tougher stance toward 'Israel'. Two-thirds of participants (66 percent) agreed that “the German government should put more pressure on the 'Israeli' government to change its stance on the Gaza Strip,” while just 24 percent disagreed.

Media reports indicate the SPD is drafting a proposal to formally recognize Palestine. “As the SPD, we decided at the recent federal party congress that recognition does not have to be the end of a process toward a two-state solution,” SPD foreign policy spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic said. “We fully understand the announcements regarding the recognition of Palestine by France, Great Britain, and Canada. This is a logical next step in their foreign policy.”

Public pressure on Berlin has grown in recent weeks, driven by distressing images and reports from Gaza, including accounts of children dying from hunger. On Friday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a partial suspension of arms exports to 'Israel', saying no military equipment would be authorised if it could be used in the Gaza Strip.

Merz’s move marked a shift in position. For months, he had resisted calls from opposition MPs to halt weapons sales to 'Israel' or to suspend Germany’s trade agreement with Tel Aviv. His government’s announcement came after 'Israel' expanded its military offensive into Gaza City, amid a campaign and blockade that Gaza’s health authorities say has killed over 61,000 people, nearly half of them women and children.