German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on representatives of the Arab communities in Germany to distance themselves from the Palestinian "Hamas" movement and to reject anti-Semitic attitudes.

Steinmeier said in a speech delivered on Wednesday at his residence in Bellevue Palace in Berlin: "I call on representatives of the Arab and Palestinian communities in Germany not to allow Hamas supporters to exploit you! Speak out! And clearly declare your rejection of terrorism."

This came during a roundtable held under the title "The War in the Middle East: Let's Coexist in Peace in Germany!"

According to the president, Germany is not a place for incitement, provoking racial hatred, or calling for the destruction of any state.

The meeting was attended by guests representing the Jewish and Palestinian communities, in addition to Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer.