Germany and Austria announced on Monday, October 9, 2023, the suspension of aid to the Palestinian territories, following the "Al-Aqsa Flood" attack launched by Hamas against the occupying state.

The spokesperson for the German Ministry of Development stated the decision to suspend aid to the Palestinian territories.

Berlin had discussed on Sunday whether to stop aid to the Palestinians following the Hamas attack, and Development Minister Svenja Schulze, who belongs to the ruling Social Democratic Party, said the government is always keen to ensure that funds are used only for peaceful purposes.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that the Middle East is facing the risk of a "major regional escalation" after Hamas carried out an attack against the Zionist entity on Saturday, expressing her concern about other parties joining the assault.

In Vienna, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced the suspension of aid to the Palestinians, which amounts to approximately 19 million euros ($20 million) allocated for several projects.

The ruling conservative coalition in Austria, which usually maintains its neutrality, has adopted one of the most pro-Zionist positions in the European Union in recent years.