- More Hamas supporters in the Rhineland-Palatinate
In the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, approximately 45 individuals are suspected by the constitutional protection authorities of having ties or belonging to the terrorist organization Hamas. Around half of these individuals hold German citizenship, according to Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) in response to a parliamentary query from the CDU faction in Mainz.
Some of these individuals also hold additional citizenship, with roughly half having only foreign citizenship. These include the countries Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, and Tunisia, as well as several stateless persons.
The number of known Hamas supporters is increasing
At the end of last year, around 35 individuals in Rhineland-Palatinate were counted by the constitutional protection authorities who were suspected of having ties or belonging to the terrorist organization Hamas.
Their activities primarily involve pro-Palestinian propaganda and lobbying. This also includes strengthening influence on the Palestinian diaspora and participating in conferences both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, there are indications of financial support for Hamas or suspected front organizations, said Ebling.
Antisemitic crimes at schools
From 2019 until mid-July of this year, the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) registered a total of 12 antisemitic crimes at schools in Rhineland-Palatinate, the interior minister further reported.
In five cases, it involved the use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. In seven cases, it was about incitement of the people. There are currently no indications of antisemitic crimes at universities.
The following is a new development: The number of individuals suspected of having ties or belonging to Hamas with dual citizenship, including countries such as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and several stateless persons, has increased.
Additionally, the following is added: According to the constitutional protection authorities, the following countries are among those whose citizens are suspected of having ties or belonging to Hamas: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and several stateless persons.
