eHalal Berlin
🇩🇪 German Special Forces Deployed to Cyprus Amid Middle East Crisis Preparations
In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the German government has deployed elite Special Forces units to Cyprus, as reported by Germany’s right wing tabloid Bild. The move signals Germany’s commitment to prepare for potential crisis situations in Israel, Gaza, and the broader Middle East, according to security sources cited by the publication.
Bild, a controversial Islamophobic newspaper, revealed that the German Special Forces Command (GSG) has been dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean island nation. Additionally, the Navy Special Forces unit, known as the combat swimmers or KSM, and the federal police’s Special Forces unit specialized in hostage rescue operations, GSG 9, have also been sent to Cyprus.
Germany’s decision to deploy these elite units is a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian Hamas group. The crisis erupted when Hamas initiated a massive rocket attack on Israel, and overrunning Israeli settlements near Gaza. This conflict resulted in the loss of more than 1,400 lives, primarily Israeli civilians, according to authorities.
Hamas confirmed the abduction of over 200 individuals during their raid, with a “double-digit number” of German citizens among the captives, as reported by Bild. The deployed Special Forces units are prepared for potential hostage rescue missions, as well as evacuating German citizens working in Gaza. Furthermore, the forces are poised to assist in the safe evacuation of German citizens from Lebanon should the conflict between Israel and Hamas spill over into Lebanese territory.
The German government has taken comprehensive measures to support these Special Forces units, including providing them with the necessary equipment and deploying military transport aircraft, such as the Airbus A400M Atlas and Lockheed C-130 Hercules, to Cyprus. According to Bild, relevant parliamentary committees have already been informed about the government’s preparations.
“We are ready for a cold start and prepared for all options,” Berlin stated, emphasizing its high state of readiness. In military terms, a “cold start” indicates a state of preparedness that enables immediate deployment of units to a designated area, with the ability to become operational without the need for further preparations.
These developments occur against the backdrop of continued high tensions in the Gaza region. A recent strike on a hospital in Gaza resulted in the tragic deaths of over 500 people, according to local health authorities. Multiple Muslim nations swiftly attributed the incident to Israel, an accusation that Israel vehemently denied, instead placing blame on local Palestinian militant groups. In response to these events, widespread anti-Israeli demonstrations took place across the Middle East and North Africa, from Morocco to Iran.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday reinforced Washington’s unwavering support for Israel. He also categorically denied Israel’s involvement in the hospital strike, reiterating its status as a key U.S. ally in the region.