A clear majority of Germans now support the immediate recognition of Palestine as an independent state, according to a new IP-Forsa poll released earlier this month. The nationwide survey finds that 54% of respondents back official recognition, with just 31% opposed. Support is especially strong among younger adults and those living in eastern Germany, highlighting generational and regional shifts in German public opinion.

The poll, conducted with 1 001 adults at the end of July, reveals that 60% of those under thirty support recognising Palestine, compared to 50% among those aged thirty to fifty-nine and 58% of those over sixty. Backing is also higher in the east of the country, at 59%, than in the west, where 53% are in favour. Among party supporters, voters for the Greens and the Left Party show the strongest support at 66% and 85% respectively, while CDU/CSU and AfD supporters are more divided, with support falling below 50%.

The findings come as France, Canada, and the United Kingdom weigh similar steps, signalling a shift in Western attitudes towards Palestinian statehood. With the statistical margin of error at plus or minus three percentage points, the poll underscores a growing call within German society for a new diplomatic approach. As the international debate intensifies, Berlin faces renewed pressure to align policy with public sentiment.

These results suggest that while policymakers weigh diplomatic considerations, public opinion is moving in a different direction. The challenge now lies in whether political leaders adjust policy to reflect this growing demand or continue prioritising existing alliances.