German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced further solidarity with Israel and a tough stance against Hamas supporters on German soil. He made this declaration in the German Parliament on Thursday, just five days after the start of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In the current crisis, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is planning a trip to Israel to demonstrate solidarity. A spokesperson from the German Foreign Ministry emphasized that Baerbock aims to make it clear that Germany stands firmly by Israel.
Olaf Scholz, in a government statement in the German Parliament, jointly held Iran responsible for this conflict. The German newspaper Der Spiegel reported Chancellor Scholz’s statement, “While we currently lack concrete evidence, it is clear to all of us that Iran has supported this unprovoked attack by Hamas on Israeli territory over the past few years.”
Germany’s appointed Israeli Ambassador, Ron Prosor, participated in the assembly at the Parliament’s official gallery and welcomed the statement in support of Israel. Chancellor Scholz affirmed that the German government is working diligently to secure the release of Israeli citizens held captive by Hamas. He stated, “The fate of the captives deeply concerns us all. We fear that if Iran stops supporting Hamas in the coming weeks, the organization will not be able to carry out this ruthless attack on Israeli soil.”
Scholz further stated, “We have been in close communication with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. We have assured them of our assistance if needed.”
Additionally, Chancellor Scholz announced the prohibition of activities by Hamas supporters in Germany and expedited the ban on the Palestinian organization Samidoun, which operates in Germany. Both the European Union (EU) and the United States have already classified Hamas as a terrorist organization.
On Saturday, Samidoun organized a rally in Berlin-Neukölln, distributing sweets to celebrate the attack on Israel.
Highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the conflict, Chancellor Scholz said, “We will not tolerate anti-Semitism in Germany. There should be no tolerance for anyone’s anti-Jewish sentiments. If anyone glorifies Hamas’ crimes or uses its symbols, they will face justice in Germany. If someone burns the flag of Israel, they will be held accountable for a criminal offense.”
Chancellor Scholz also mentioned that Germany will evaluate its current cooperation with Palestinians. He emphasized the need to examine development projects in the Palestinian territories, aiming to support peace in the region and ensure Israel’s security.
