Europe cracks down on Hamas-linked activities fearing spike in antisemitism

European countries are moving to crack down on Hamas-linked activities and antisemitism incidents following the surprise attack last Saturday by the Islamist militant group on Israel. More than a thousand Israelis were killed, scores wounded and more than 100 abducted in the attack.

At least 1,300 Israelis and more than 1,400 Palestinians have died in the escalation, most of them civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been bombarding Gaza in retaliation, putting the enclave of 2.3 million under siege and preparing for a major ground operation.

Antisemitic incidents have risen across Europe in the aftermath, and countries have been beefing up security to prevent further attacks. In France, there has been heightened security at synagogues and Jewish schools. In Germany, the police in Berlin said they had filed complaints on “people celebrating the attacks on Israel by handing out baked goods." In Spain, the police put in place  “necessary measures” to protect Jewish institutions.

In comments to the Bundestag, the German parliament, on Thursday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that anyone who glorifies the crimes of the Gaza-based militant group, uses its symbols, condones murder, calls for criminal acts or burns Israeli flags could face prosecution.