In the wake of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, Germany has extended its hand to offer military assistance and pledged to clamp down on support for the militant group within its own borders. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Germany’s historical responsibility for Israel’s security.
The German Defense Ministry has approved Israel’s request to use up to two of the five Heron TP combat drones currently leased by the German military. These drones were already in Israel for the training of German service members. Additionally, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Israel has asked for ammunition for its warships, a request that will be discussed.
Chancellor Scholz addressed the German parliament, stating that he has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to inform Germany of any needs, such as assistance with treating the wounded. He stressed that Germany’s enduring commitment to Israel’s security is rooted in its own history and responsibility, particularly considering the Holocaust.
Scholz acknowledged that thousands of people in Germany have demonstrated their support for Israel in recent days. However, he also highlighted the “shameful” images from last weekend when a small group distributed pastries in a Berlin street, followed by dozens of people celebrating the Hamas attack.
In response, Germany has decided to formally ban activities by or in support of Hamas, an organization already listed as a terrorist group by the European Union. This ban will extend to groups like Samidoun, responsible for the pastry distribution.
Scholz emphasized a “zero tolerance for antisemitism” in Germany, and he questioned the Palestinian Authority’s and President Mahmoud Abbas’s silence on condemning the Hamas attack. The chancellor criticized their lack of condemnation.
Hamas: We Have Full Control Of Gaza Border – Israeli Military
Germany has suspended development aid to Palestinian areas, but it will continue to provide humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, Scholz strongly criticized Iran’s role in the region, although he noted there is no concrete evidence of Iranian support for the Hamas attack. Still, he emphasized that without Iranian support in recent years, Hamas wouldn’t have been capable of launching such unprecedented attacks on Israeli territory.
The recent attack also had repercussions for German citizens, as some were among those kidnapped in the assault.
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