“Don’t just react with words”
German politics questions aid to Palestinians
October 7, 2023, 11:46 p.m
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According to CDU politician Kiesewetter, the next federal budget provides around 350 million euros in aid for the Palestinian Authority. The first German politicians are demanding that the transfers be checked.
In view of Hamas’ major attack on Israel, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has called for a quick decision on financial aid to Palestinians. “The terror is shocking. We shouldn’t just react to it with words,” said the FDP leader to “Bild am Sonntag”. He is therefore hoping for a recommendation from Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Green Party on how the German state should proceed with financial support for the Palestinians in light of this violence. “Any consequences could be implemented immediately,” said Lindner.
The chairwoman of the Defense Committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, also questions the aid to the Palestinian Gaza Strip. “The existence of the Jewish state of Israel is rightly part of the inseparable core of German reasons of state,” the FDP politician told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “Therefore, this cowardly attack by Hamas on innocent civilians must be taken as an opportunity to thoroughly review all German, EU and UN aid funds destined for the Gaza Strip to ensure that they are being used.” Any use for anti-Israel or anti-Semitic purposes must be completely excluded.
The CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter also questioned previous aid payments for Palestinians. The budget for next year provides around 350 million euros in aid for the Palestinian Authority. The federal government should consider freezing the funds so as not to indirectly finance terror against Israel. The federal government must also toughen its course towards Tehran. “Hamas is not capable of such a major attack on its own – Iran is behind it.”
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Gregor Gysi condemned Hamas’ attacks, but warned against stopping German aid payments to Palestinian organizations. These should be supported, but Hamas should not. “The attack only comes from her,” Gysi tells “Spiegel”. He strongly condemns Hamas’ attacks. “Many deaths and injuries are never acceptable, the hostage-taking is unacceptable. Above all, they also kill civilians arbitrarily.” It is high time for a political solution. But the Israeli government must first be ready for this.