Israeli FM Cohen urges Germany and global community to unite against Hamas

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen urged Germany and the international community on Saturday to unite against Hamas and other Middle Eastern terror organizations.

His remarks were made during a meeting with his German counterpart, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Cohen specifically urged European countries to help put a stop to the funds being raised in Europe for Hamas terror activities against Israel.

The Israeli top diplomat stressed that the Jewish state would continue its military operations in the war against Hamas until the threat is neutralized.

“Israel will continue to fight Hamas until it poses no threat to Israeli citizens,” the Israeli foreign minister vowed.

He also praised Berlin for its strong support of Israel and its right to defend itself against aggression.

“Germany has stood by Israel since October 7 and expressed its commitment to Israel’s security and its support for our right to defend ourselves.”

Cohen urged Germany and the global community to continue supporting Israel as it works toward permanently eliminating the Hamas terror group and facilitating the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“I asked my friend, the German foreign minister, to continue to support Israel to let us finish our job: Eradicating the terrorist regime of Hamas, which is worse than ISIS, and to see the safe return of the hostages,” the Israeli foreign minister stated.

Germany has emerged as one of the Jewish state’s strongest allies in the European Union. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was one of the first world leaders to make a solidarity visit to Israel following Hamas' Oct. 7 invasion and massacre of Israelis and foreign citizens.

“This is a visit to friends in difficult times,” Scholz told the media reporters, adding that he had “good, intensive and serious” talks with Israeli leaders.

He stressed that Germany was standing with Israel.

“As I said last week in the Bundestag, in hard times, Germany has only one place, and it is alongside Israel.”

The chancellor strongly condemned the “brutal attack on innocent citizens, the execution of citizens, murders of babies, abduction of women, men and children.”

Shani Louk, a 22-year-old dual German-Israeli national, was murdered by Hamas terrorists after attending the music festival close to the Gaza border on Oct. 7.

There were initial reports that Louk had been paraded by Hamas terrorists in the streets of Gaza.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, on behalf of the Jewish state, expressed sadness over her death in an interview with the German Bild newspaper.

"I am really sorry to report that we have now received news that Shani Nicole Louk has been confirmed murdered and dead," Herzog stated.

"What we saw on the Gaza-Israel border goes far beyond a pogrom. We saw a slaughterhouse," Herzog added.

Germany and Israel have developed close military and security ties. Germany has exported advanced vessels, including submarines, to the Israeli Navy.

In September, Germany and Israel signed a record $3.5 billion deal for Israel to sell its advanced Arrow 3 aerial defense system to the German military. At the time, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel was proud to contribute to Germany’s security.

“Since the establishment of our ties, Germany has contributed greatly to Israel’s security. Today we are proud to do the same for Germany – a strategic ally and European leader,” Gallant said.