German Chancellor: "Ban Hamas in Germany... Support Israel Due to Holocaust"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed support for Israel, which is at war with the Palestinian armed group Hamas, and banned Hamas activities in Germany, local media including Spiegel reported on the 12th (local time).

According to the reports, Chancellor Scholz stated in a speech to the Bundestag that "Based on our past history and the responsibility stemming from the Holocaust, defending Israel's survival and security is our ongoing duty," adding, "There is only one position for Germany at present: on Israel's side."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Scholz also emphasized that, along with banning Hamas activities in Germany, he would impose a ban on the Palestinian prisoner solidarity group 'Samidoun,' which recently held demonstrations supporting Hamas's terrorist acts.

He further hinted at a review of development cooperation with Palestine. He pointed out, "Where is the clear condemnation from the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas?" and criticized, "Their silence is shameful."

Regarding support for Palestine, Chancellor Scholz stated, "Our standard is whether our projects are most helpful to Israel," and firmly declared, "Until this (re)review is completed, no new development cooperation funds will be provided."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.