German Vice Chancellor Calls for Destruction of Hamas

Robert Habeck, the Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy of Germany, in a speech to members of his party, identified Hamas as the "agent of the destruction of peace in the Middle East" and called for the "destruction" of this militant group. The Times of Israel reported on Saturday, November 4, citing the German news agency DPA, that Habeck considered Hamas's attack to be "requiring necessary consequences from Israel." The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in at least 1,400 deaths, and this militant group also took around 240 hostages. According to the German Vice Chancellor, "Palestinians also have the right to their own state," although Hamas has no interest in such a solution. The German Minister of Economy previously stated that Hamas seeks the destruction of Israel, and for this reason, the right to existence and security of Israel is our duty, and Germany is well aware of this. Germany is considered one of the staunch supporters of Israel in its war with Hamas, and officials in this country have repeatedly condemned the escalation of anti-Semitic behavior and celebrations of supporters of this militant group in Germany, calling for the expulsion of Hamas supporters. German officials are seeking to implement strict laws against Hamas supporters in response to the increase in anti-Semitic behavior in the country. The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Hamas militant group, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist organization.