PARIS – Countries around the world have condemned a wave of Palestinian attacks on Israel by land, sea and air that have left at least 40 dead and hundreds wounded on Saturday.
“We are at war,” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, vowing severe retaliation after the surprise assault by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Here is a round-up of the reactions:
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singapore said it “strongly condemns the rocket and terror attacks from Gaza on Israel”, as it called for “an immediate end to the violence” and urged all sides “to do their utmost to protect the safety and security of civilians”.
Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the attacks “have resulted in deaths and injuries of many innocent civilians”.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims,” it said.
United States
The US on Saturday “unequivocally” condemned attacks by “Hamas terrorists” against Israel and promised to ensure the key US ally has the means to defend itself.
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that “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,” Ms Watson added.
In a separate statement, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the US’ “unwavering” commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself.
“Over the coming days, the Department of Defence will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Mr Austin said.
United Nations
The UN’s human rights chief Volker Turk said: “I call for an immediate stop to the violence, and appeal to all sides and key countries in the region to de-escalate to avoid further bloodshed.”
He said he was “deeply concerned at reports that Israeli civilians have been taken hostage”.
Iran
A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed support for the attack, calling it a “proud operation”.
“We support this operation,” Mr Yahya Rahim Safavi said, as quoted by the Isna news agency.
Mr Safavi expressed backing for the Palestinian militants “until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem”.
At a Parliament session on Saturday, Iranian lawmakers chanted “Down with Israel”, “Down with America” and “Welcome Palestine”, according to a video published by the Tasnim news agency.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said: “The kingdom calls for an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control.”
It added: “The kingdom is reminded of its repeated warnings of the dangers of an explosive situation as a result of the continued occupation and deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights.”
Egyptian Foreign Ministry
Egypt warned of "grave consequences" from an escalation in tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, in a statement from its Foreign Ministry carried by the state news agency.
It called for "exercising maximum restraint and avoiding exposing civilians to further danger".
French President Emmanuel Macron
Mr Macron said on Saturday that he strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel.
"I express my full solidarity with the victims, and their families and those close to them," he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
Ms Baerbock said she strongly condemned the Hamas attack against Israel.
"Violence and rockets against innocent civilians must stop now. We stand in full solidarity with Israel and its right under international law to defend itself against terror," she said on X.
British Foreign Minister James Cleverly
"The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself," Mr Cleverly said in a social media post.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
"I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel. It is terrorism in its most despicable form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks," Dr von der Leyen posted on X.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell
"We follow with anguish the news coming from #Israel. We unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas. This horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing," Mr Borrell posted on X.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
"We call for restraint from all parties," Mr Erdogan said at a congress for his ruling AK Party in Ankara.
"They must refrain from aggressive acts," he said.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
"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," Mr Rutte said on social media.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov
Russia is in contact with Israel, the Palestinians and Arab countries in connection with the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Interfax news agency reported, citing Mr Bogdanov.
"It goes without saying that we always call for restraint," he said.
Hizbollah
The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hizbollah, an arch foe of Israel, issued a statement on Saturday saying it was closely following the situation in Gaza and was in "direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance".
Following events involving Gaza militants who fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, the statement added that it was a "decisive response to Israel's continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalisation with Israel".
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry
"Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv," the ministry said on X.
"We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people."
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau
"I strongly condemn Hamas' ongoing attacks on Israel. This baseless aggression and acts of violence, especially against civilians, are unacceptable. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these terrible events," Mr Rau wrote on X.
Czech President Petr Pavel
"The attack conducted from the Gaza Strip is a deplorable act of terrorism against the state of Israel and the civilian population," Mr Pavel said in a statement
"The rocket attacks and the infiltration of Hamas commandos into Israel will block any efforts for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for a long time."
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu postponed a trip to the Czech Republic, a long-time Israel ally, following the hostilities, a statement from the Czech presidential office said.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib
"Belgium strongly condemns the massive rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. Violence and terror only perpetuates suffering and hinders the path to dialogue. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We are monitoring the situation closely," Ms Lahbib said on X.
Greek Foreign Ministry
"Greece strongly condemns today's launch of heavy rocket attacks from Gaza against Israel. Greece stands with Israel and is deeply concerned by this unacceptable escalation of violence," the ministry posted on X on Saturday. AFP, REUTERS
