Both Germany and Austria announced on Monday the suspension of aid to the Palestinian territories, a decision that came in the wake of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” an attack launched by the Hamas movement on Israel.
The German decision to halt aid was vocalized by the spokesperson for the German Ministry of Development, bringing forth numerous implications and debates on the international stance and future engagements in the region.
Discussions were previously held in Berlin on Sunday, deliberating whether the aid to Palestinians should be halted following the Hamas attack.
Minister of Development, Svenja Schulze, who belongs to the ruling Social Democratic Party, highlighted that the government is always keen to ensure funds are utilized exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Similarly, in Vienna, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced on Monday the suspension of aid to the Palestinians.
The aid, which totals approximately 19 million euros ($20 million) and is designated for various projects, is being withdrawn in response to the lethal attack executed by Hamas against Israel.
