Olaf Scholz Announces the Prohibition of Supporting Hamas Activity in Germany
Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, has declared the ban on supporting the activities of the terrorist organization Hamas within the country. This decision was announced during his address in the Bundestag on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
"Anyone glorifying Hamas's crimes or using its symbols will face prosecution in Germany. Anyone inciting violence or supporting criminal activities will be subject to criminal prosecution. Those burning Israeli flags will also face legal consequences. Anyone supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas will be prosecuted," stated Olaf Scholz.
Additionally, Olaf Scholz announced the cessation of the activities of the Samidoun association. This international group of activists claims to support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. However, according to the German government, the association promotes hostility and calls for the destruction of Israel. Members of Samidoun celebrated the large-scale Hamas attack on Israel in Berlin last weekend. Scholz condemned these actions as unworthy and inhumane.
During his speech, Chancellor Scholz also accused Iran of supporting the Hamas attack on Israel and pledged practical support for Israel. "While we lack concrete evidence that Iran directly supported this heinous attack, it is clear to all of us that without Iranian backing, Hamas could never have carried out this unprecedented assault. Unfortunately, we can anticipate that the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip is likely to continue to rise, but this is also the responsibility of Hamas and its attack on Israel," Olaf Scholz stated on Thursday. He added that it is important to try to avoid further regional escalation of violence, warning Hezbollah, another Iran-backed militant group in neighboring Lebanon, not to risk attacking Israel. "I am in close contact with President of Egypt Sisi, who has channels of communication with Gaza. Today, I will also speak with President Erdogan of Turkey and receive the Emir of Qatar. All three can play an important role in de-escalating the situation," added Olaf Scholz.
Previously, the German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, announced intentions to provide military assistance to Israel. Germany does not officially recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, making a ban on its activities impossible. However, the Federal Ministry of the Interior is considering the possibility of prohibiting gatherings aimed at supporting Hamas and fundraising for the organization. Meanwhile, the European Union and the United States have already classified Hamas as a terrorist group.