South African ex-Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is set to be released on parole after serving 10 years for the fatal shooting of his lover. In the midst of this news, German security authorities have conducted raids on suspected supporters of Hamas, an Islamist group classified as a terrorist organization by Germany, the EU, and other countries, along with the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. The raids, carried out in four states with a focus on Berlin, come after Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser issued a ban on both organizations on November 2. Faeser emphasized that Germany will not tolerate any glorification or support for Hamas’ terrorism against Israel.
The ban was prompted by spontaneous celebrations that took place in Germany following Hamas’ attack on Israel in early October, causing over 1,000 deaths. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his horror at these celebrations, leading to the German government’s decision to prohibit all activities related to Hamas and Samidoun. The Interior Ministry stated that the ban was aimed at curtailing the activities of a terrorist organization whose goal is to destroy the state of Israel. The ministry also described Samidoun as an international network that spreads anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda under the guise of a solidarity organization for prisoners in various countries.
According to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), approximately 450 people in Germany are involved with Hamas, with many possessing German citizenship. It is challenging to estimate the number of sympathizers, but Middle East expert Guido Steinberg suggests that it likely reaches the four-digit range. The BfV reports that activities of Hamas supporters in Germany range from public expressions of support and sharing propaganda to fundraising and financing. The Interior Ministry further highlights their commitment to influencing political and social discourse in Germany in line with Hamas’ interests.
While bans like these are crucial to halt the flow of money to terrorist organizations, they face limitations. German associations and non-profit organizations receive certain protections, hindering investigations into their finances by authorities like the BfV. Hamas supporters in Germany are cautious about openly calling for violence, as crossing that line under German law poses a significant risk. The BfV’s 2022 report acknowledges that Hamas views Western countries, including Germany, as safe havens for collecting donations, recruiting supporters, and disseminating propaganda. However, it is essential to note that the bulk of Hamas’ funding does not originate from Germany or Europe but primarily from Qatar.
Despite the ban on Hamas and Samidoun, it is crucial to recognize that only a minority of Muslims in Germany hold anti-Israel or antisemitic views. Aiman Mazyek, Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims, emphasizes that the actions of a few individuals should not be understood as representative of all German Muslims. While Hamas has not carried out attacks in Western countries, experts believe that the recent war with Israel increases the risk of sympathizers engaging in acts of violence. While Germany may not be Hamas’ primary target, the possibility of radicalized individuals committing acts of terrorism remains.
In conclusion, Germany’s ban on Hamas and the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network aims to prevent the glorification and support of terrorism against Israel. The move follows spontaneous celebrations in Germany after Hamas’ attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. While there are numerous individuals involved with Hamas in Germany, the ban seeks to curtail their activities, which range from public displays of support to fundraising and financing. However, limitations exist regarding investigating the finances of organizations associated with terrorism. It also essential to distinguish between the actions of radicals and the broader Muslim community in Germany. While this ban contributes to counterterrorism efforts, the risk of individual sympathizers carrying out attacks remains.
