Germany's Scholz condemns Iranian backing of Hamas
BERLIN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz laid the blame on Iran for backing Hamas to grow into the body that carried out last weekend's attacks on Israel, telling legislators he would work with regional powers in a bid to stop violence spreading further.
"While we have no firm proof that Iran operationally supported this cowardly attack, it is clear to us all that without Iranian support Hamas would never have been able to launch this unprecedented attack," he said on Thursday.
"I am in close contact with Egypt's President Sisi, who has channels to Gaza. I will speak with Turkey's President Erdogan today and receive the Emir of Qatar," he added. "All three can play an important role in de-escalating the situation." (Reporting by Thomas Escritt, Editing by Rachel More)
