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Germany Says Recognizing Palestinian State Now Would Send "Wrong Signal"
(AFP) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Thursday that recognizing a Palestinian state now would send "the wrong signal." After meeting in Berlin with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Wadephul stressed German support for a two-state solution but said "negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians must be concluded" first. He stressed that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas and other enemies, and that "therefore Germany will of course continue to support Israel with arms deliveries; that was never in doubt." Saar said Israel is "surrounded by enemies seeking its elimination" and that "the only difference between Hamas and the Nazis was their capabilities." He said a Palestinian state would mean "the biggest prize is being offered to the murderers, establishing a new terrorist state in the heart of our homeland," and that "only Hamas is responsible for the suffering on both sides."