Connemann Calls for Commitment to Israel for German Aid to Palestinians

09.10.2023 – 01:00

Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung

Osnabrück (ots)

Connemann: German money for Palestinians only against commitment to Israel

The head of the SME Union calls for an end to “cross-financing for Hamas”

Osnabruck. After Hamas’ attack on Israel, criticism of German aid to the Palestinian territories is becoming louder. Gitta Connemann, deputy chairwoman of the German-Israeli parliamentary group, told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”: “The cross-financing of Hamas and Co. must end.” Only those who are committed to peaceful coexistence and can prove this should be allowed to receive funds, demanded the CDU politician and chairwoman of the SME and Economic Union. Donations must be “tied to a binding rejection of terrorism and anti-Semitism.” Every expression of solidarity with Israel is valuable, said Connemann. “But in the next few days it will become clear what the commitment to Israel’s security is really worth as a German reason of state.”

According to the federal government, Germany has pledged more than 1.5 billion euros for bilateral development work in the past few decades. Further money from Germany flows into the Gaza Strip and the West Bank via the United Nations and the EU. It was only in May that the federal government promised a further 125 million euros for 2023 and 2024. The government emphasizes that the money flows directly into projects – such as the construction of sewage treatment plants – but not directly to the autonomous authority. Fears have repeatedly been raised in the past that the funds could cross-finance terror against Israel.

Press contact:

Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung
editorial staff

Phone: +49(0)541/310 207

Original content from: Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, transmitted by news aktuell