Brussels, [Dec 5, 2023] – The European Union is facing an elevated risk of terrorist attacks during the Christmas holiday season, warned Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs. This announcement follows recent investigations into a deadly attack near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, where a suspect, allegedly affiliated with ISIS, fatally stabbed a German-Filipino tourist and injured two others.
Warnings of terrorist attacks in Europe due to the repercussions of the war between Israel and Hamas- source told AFP. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
Commissioner Johansson emphasized that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is contributing to social polarization within Europe, exacerbating the risk of terror-related incidents. The attack in Paris, characterized by questions surrounding the assailant’s mental health and allegiance to ISIS, has heightened concerns across the continent.
Europe faces a “huge risk of terrorist attacks” over the holiday season due to the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, the EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson warned on Tuesday #EuropeNews pic.twitter.com/6wppoSg0FS
— euronews (@euronews) December 5, 2023
An EU interior ministers’ meeting in Brussels echoed these apprehensions, without providing specific details about the intelligence leading to this warning. Johansson’s office did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.
The repercussions of the Hamas attacks in Southern Israel on October 7th, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, and the ongoing Israeli military response, claiming at least 15,890 Palestinian lives, as reported by Gaza health officials, are felt across Europe. These events have sparked numerous pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations in various European capitals, accompanied by a rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
Europe, already grappling with internal security challenges, now faces an increased threat landscape during a season traditionally marked by peace and celebration. This development calls for heightened vigilance and a unified response from EU member states to ensure public safety and maintain social cohesion.
