German prosecutor opens murder and kidnapping probe into Hamas

Germany’s federal public prosecutor has launched an investigation into Hamas – the Islamist movement that controls Gaza – for suspected crimes against German citizens, the Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The German foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that German citizens were among those kidnapped by Hamas in the attack, without giving precise numbers. The families of those kidnapped have appealed to the German government for help, Bild reported.
The prosecutor is investigating Hamas on suspicion of murder, manslaughter and hostage-taking, the report said.
The prosecutor’s office was not immediately able to provide comment.
Hamas launched an attack last week that saw fighters storming into Israeli towns, killing hundreds and abducting dozens of people.