The US and European leaders have voiced solidarity with Israel as they condemned the Hamas attack on the country.
US President Joe Biden on Saturday decried the “appalling assault” by Hamas militants and his administration pledged to ensure Israel has “what it needs to defend itself” after the surprise attack that drew worldwide condemnation and anger from Israel’s allies.
Mr Biden made clear in a call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support”, according to the White House.
Secretary of state Antony Blinken went to the White House for meetings and was phoning foreign counterparts, while defence secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Israel’s defence minister.
Today, I spoke with @IsraeliPM about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. @FLOTUS and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2023
“Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people,” Mr Biden said in a statement that also warned “any other party hostile to Israel” against “seeking advantage in this situation”.
Washington’s support for “Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering”, the president said.
His Pentagon chief said the US was committed to helping Israel to “protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism” and with its defence needs.
The head of the European Union’s executive commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the attack “is terrorism in its most despicable form”.
She said that “Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks”.
Terrifying news reach us today from #Israel. We are deeply shocked by the rocket fire from Gaza and the escalating violence. Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands by Israel.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) October 7, 2023
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the militants’ rocket fire and the escalating violence “shock us deeply”.
He added that “Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands beside Israel”.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that he “firmly” condemns the “terrorist attacks” against Israel and expressed “my full solidarity with the victims, their families and their loved ones”.
Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani said Italy’s government condemns the attacks on Israel “with utmost firmness”.
“At risk are the life of people, the security of the region and the resumption of any kind of political process,” Mr Tajani said in a social media post.
The ministry said it “strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv”.
Ukraine has been fighting a war against Russia since its neighbour invaded in February 2022.
The White House said that it “unequivocally condemns” the Hamas attacks.
I have spoken to President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
I condemn the attacks carried out from Gaza on Israel, its soldiers and its people.
France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 7, 2023
“We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” said Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the National Security Council.
“The US unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism.”
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah congratulated Hamas for the operation, saying it had “divine backing”.
The group said the attack is a response to “Israel’s crimes” and attacks on holy places and that “the will of the Palestinian people and the rifle of the resistance is the only alternative to face occupation”.
Hezbollah said that its military command in Lebanon is following the developments on the ground and is in direct contact with the Palestinian command and they are both “evaluating the situation and the ongoing operation”.
