Germany to Review Aid to Palestine After Hamas Attack on Israel In response to the recent attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Germany announced on Sunday that it would be reviewing its financial aid to Palestine, which amounts to hundreds of millions of Euros. Development Minister Svenja Schulze expressed concern over the violent actions of Hamas, stating that the German government has always been cautious to ensure that the aid is used for peaceful purposes. However, she acknowledged that these recent attacks on Israel have created a significant rupture and that a comprehensive reevaluation of their engagement with the Palestinian territories is necessary.

Some German lawmakers, particularly from the opposition conservative party, even called for ending the aid altogether. Armin Laschet, the chancellor candidate for the conservatives, emphasized that all European Union member states should unite in denouncing the financing of terrorists and advocated for an end to EU cooperation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Gregor Gysi, a prominent member of the opposition Left party, argued against this strategy, noting that Hamas alone, and not all Palestinians, should be held responsible for the attack. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced his support for Israel's right to defend itself against these "barbaric attacks."

Chancellor Scholz reaffirmed Germany's unwavering support for Israel and its commitment to protecting its citizens. He further stated that Germany is actively engaging with leaders from Egypt, the United States, Britain, and France to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger conflict with dire consequences for the entire region. Meanwhile, on the ground, the Israeli army has begun evacuating settlements near the Gaza Border as a precautionary measure in case of an invasion into the Gaza Strip. The fighting between Israeli security forces and Hamas terrorists, who infiltrated southern Israel on Saturday, continues in multiple locations.

According to Israel's press office, over 600 people have been killed, and more than 2,000 others have been injured in the Hamas incursion. Additionally, Hamas currently holds over 100 Israelis as captives. In Gaza, approximately 400 people have been killed, and over 2,000 have been wounded as Israel targets Hamas strongholds. The total death toll in the ongoing conflict has now reached around 1,000.

In light of these events, Germany remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution and preventing further escalation. Chancellor Scholz has reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring him of Germany's unwavering support. Scholz emphasized that Germany cannot accept the celebration of heinous attacks against Israel within its own streets. He further conveyed his intention to hold discussions with key international leaders in an effort to mitigate tensions and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.