Prozess zur Anerkennung des palästinensischen Staates "muss jetzt beginnen", sagt die deutsche FM

"For Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state comes more at the end of that process. But such a process must begin now," Germany's foreign minister added.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday the recognition of a Palestinian state comes more at the end of the negotiations for a two-state solution, but that process must begin now, warning Berlin would respond to "unilateral steps".

"A negotiated two-state solution remains the only path that can offer people on both sides a life in peace, security, and dignity," he said in a statement issued shortly before his trip on Thursday to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"For Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state comes more at the end of that process. But such a process must begin now."

This is a developing story.