What’s happening:

German police in Bavaria conducted raids on the homes of individuals accused of spreading antisemitic content and celebrating Hamas attacks on Israel through social media platforms.

Why it matters:

These actions come in the wake of a disturbing global uptick in antisemitic incidents, particularly following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Germany, with its historical context, maintains stringent laws against hate speech and the glorification of Nazism, making these raids a significant step in addressing and combating antisemitism.

The details:

Authorities targeted 17 individuals, ranging from 18 to 62 years old, seizing evidence and interrogating suspects. Among the accusations are the use of symbols from banned terrorist organizations and explicit hate speech against Jews on social media.

Notable incidents:

One individual reportedly shared a message in a school chat saying “Gas the Jews,” while another, a German-Turkish dual citizen, called for the extermination of “Jewish sons” on his social media account.

The bigger picture:

Bavaria has seen a 285% increase in antisemitic incidents within a month-long period compared to the previous year. This trend mirrors a worrying rise in antisemitism globally, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and legal action against such hate speech.

Background:

Germany enforces strict prohibitions on hate speech, including Holocaust denial and the display of Nazi symbols. This legal framework is part of the country’s efforts to reckon with its past and prevent the spread of antisemitism.

The aftermath of conflict:

The recent Israel-Hamas war has led to significant casualties on both sides, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 12,700 fatalities due to Israeli strikes, following initial attacks by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people.

About the author:

Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering a range of topics including crime and political issues.

This story was first published on foxnews.