In an unprecedented move, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says all Hamas activities within Germany would be banned, following the militant group’s recent attack on Israel over the weekend.
Chancellor Scholz revealed this decision during a speech before the German parliament in Berlin on Thursday.
Hamas, a well-known terrorist organization, had already been classified as such by both the European Union and the United States. This recent development by Germany adds to the international pressure on the group.
The ban does not stop at Hamas, as Chancellor Scholz also declared that the Palestinian solidarity network, Samidoun, would be outlawed within Germany. This decision was made in response to Samidoun’s shocking show of support for Hamas following the attack on Israel. Members of the association were reported to have distributed sweets in Berlin’s Neukölln district as a means of celebration.
Chancellor Scholz expressed his strong disapproval of Samidoun’s actions, stating, “This is despicable. This is inhuman. It contradicts all the values to which we are committed as a country. We do not accept hatred and incitement without action. We do not tolerate anti-Semitism.”
The banning of these organizations in Germany is seen as a significant step toward eliminating any form of support or endorsement of Hamas, which is notorious for its involvement in acts of terrorism and violence.
Hamas, a militant group that currently controls the Gaza Strip, conducted a large-scale surprise attack on Israeli civilian communities over the weekend. In response, Israel initiated a series of airstrikes on the densely populated coastal enclave.
The ongoing conflict has already claimed the lives of more than 1,000 individuals on both sides, further intensifying the long-standing tensions in the region.
Germany’s ban on Hamas activities and the Samidoun solidarity network demonstrates the nation’s commitment to upholding its values and combating extremism and terrorism. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
