Israel is at war, challenging times ahead: How Ukraine and world respond to Hamas attack
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
In the morning, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack on Israeli territory, carrying out a massive rocket strike. Many civilized countries expressed support for Tel Aviv, but there were also those who "welcomed" the militants.
For Ukraine's and the world's response to the events in Israel, check out RBC-Ukraine's article.
Ukraine
"Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed condolences to all those whose relatives and loved ones lost their lives in the Hamas terrorist attack. According to him, terrorism has no place in the world, and it is a crime not only against one country but against humanity and the entire world.
"The world must be united and solidarity should prevail to prevent terrorism from attempting to conquer or disrupt lives anywhere and anytime. Israel's right to self-defense is unquestionable. All the circumstances of this terrorist attack must be clarified so that the world knows and holds accountable anyone who incited and helped organize the attack," added Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Russia
Russian terrorists claimed to be concerned about the "escalation of the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict." They called for its diplomatic resolution on the basis of international law, which "envisages the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem."
In their usual manner, they blamed the West for the alleged "blocking of the work of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators, which includes Russia, the United States, the EU, and the UN."
Iran
According to Al Jazeera, Ali Hosseini Khamenei's advisor, the Supreme Leader of Iran, welcomed Palestinian militants for launching the largest attack on Israel in recent years.
"We congratulate the Palestinian fighters. We will stand by the Palestinian fighters until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem," the advisor stated.
USA
"The U.S. unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism. 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, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council.
Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia states that it is closely monitoring the developments and called for an immediate cessation of escalation. They also emphasized the importance of a peaceful process that deserves trust.
Quatar
Qatar, on its part, has blamed Israel for the morning events. They claim that Tel Aviv is "responsible for the long-term violations of the rights of the Palestinian people."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs places responsibility for the prolonged escalation solely on Israel due to ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people, the latest of which are the repeated raids on the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is under the protection of the Israeli police," the press service stated.
UK
"I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice," said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Germany
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed Germany's support for Israel. "
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," he wrote.
Netherlands
Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Netanyahu. "Just spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel. I told him that the Netherlands unequivocally condemns this terrorist violence and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself," Rutte said.
European Parliament and European Council
"Horrified at the unfolding attacks on Israel. We condemn the terror and violence waged against innocent people. My thoughts are with all those under fire, all the first responders and those defending against these brutal attacks. Terror will never prevail," stated Roberta Metsola, Chair of the European Parliament.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, also condemned the strikes on Israeli territory and its people. He expressed the European Union's solidarity with the country.
Morning attack by Hamas on Israel
In the morning, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel. Following a massive rocket barrage, it became known that the terrorists had targeted Sderot, a small city in the Southern District.
The Israeli Defense Forces stated that the militants would "pay a high price" and declared a state of "readiness for war." They also initiated a counter-terrorism operation called Operation "Iron Swords."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that his country is in a "state of war."
You can find all the details of the morning Hamas attack on Israel in an online article by RBC-Ukraine.
