German security forces raid multiple properties over Hamas connection

German police officers load a box of seized items into a car, following a search of an apartment, as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Hamas. The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on 16 May also banned the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg. David Young/dpa
German police officers load a box of seized items into a car, following a search of an apartment, as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Hamas. The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on 16 May also banned the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg. David Young/dpa
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Security forces have searched four properties in the western German city of Duisburg as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Palestinian militant organization Hamas.

The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on Thursday also banned the Palästina Solidarität Duisburg - or Palestine Solidarity Duisburg.

"This ban comes at the right time and sends the right signal," the state's interior minister, Herbert Reul, said in a statement. "In many cases, solidarity with Palestine hides nothing other than hatred of Jews - as is the case with the organization banned today."

Police stand on a street in Duisburg where an apartment is being searched, as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Hamas. The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on 16 May also banned the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg. David Young/dpa
Police stand on a street in Duisburg where an apartment is being searched, as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Hamas. The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on 16 May also banned the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg. David Young/dpa
A German police officer carries a box of seized items following a search of an apartment, as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Hamas. The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on 16 May also banned the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg. David Young/dpa
A German police officer carries a box of seized items following a search of an apartment, as part of action taken against a group allegedly supporting Hamas. The raid comes as the Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia on 16 May also banned the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg. David Young/dpa