EU warns of terrorist attacks in Europe during Christmas over Israel-Hamas war
EU warns of terrorist attacks in Europe during Christmas over Israel-Hamas war (Getty Images)
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson says there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks in European countries during the Christmas holidays, according to the Associated Press.
The official links the threats to the situation in the Middle East, mainly the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
“With the war between Israel and Hamas, and the polarization it causes in our society, with the upcoming holiday season, there is a huge risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union,” she told journalists in Brussels.
A recent attack in Paris
This warning comes amid the investigation in France into a deadly attack near the Eiffel Tower in Paris that occurred last weekend. A man, a supporter of the extremist group Islamic State, stabbed a German-Filipino tourist and injured two other people with a hammer.
“We saw (it happening) recently in Paris, unfortunately, we have seen it earlier as well,” she said
EU's reaction
Johansson adds that the European Commission will allocate an additional 30 million euros (32.5 million dollars) to strengthen security in vulnerable areas.
Commenting on the attack in Paris, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Germany, Nancy Faeser, expressed condolences to France. According to her, this attack highlights “just how acute and how serious the threat posed by Islamist terrorism is currently in the EU.”
She also added that the war in the Gaza Strip and the terrorism of Hamas militants "are exacerbating this situation."
Faeser said she had spoken with her counterparts from Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, and Sweden about the risks.
“Our security agencies are working very closely together. We must keep a particularly close eye on the Islamist threats right now and take action against Islamist propaganda together with neighboring countries,” she said.
Worldwide attacks
An unknown assailant recently attacked tourists with a knife in the French capital, Paris. There were casualties.
A recent terrorist attack happened in Jerusalem. People were killed, and Hamas claimed responsibility for it.
On Sunday, December 3, an explosion occurred during a Catholic mass at a university in Marawi City, Philippines. At least four people were killed, and 50 others were injured. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Islamic State.
