Israel's Right to Self-Defence is Unquestionable, Says Ukrainian President
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Israel's right to self-defence is unquestionable.
"Terrible reports from Israel. My condolences to all those whose loved ones have fallen victim to a terrorist attack. We believe that order will be restored, and terrorists will be eliminated," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Nowhere in the world can terrorism be tolerated, as it is a crime not just against one country or its specific victims, but against humanity as a whole and our entire world. Israel's right to self-defence is unquestionable. All circumstances of this terrorist attack must be clarified so that the world knows and holds accountable anyone who incited the attack and assisted in its organization," added the President of Ukraine.
The White House released a statement condemning the "unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists on the civilian population of Israel."
"The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists on the civilian population of Israel. Terrorism can never be justified. We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and express our condolences for the loss of life in these attacks," the statement reads.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly, commenting on today's events in Israel, stated that Hamas are terrorists who have carried out a brutal attack on the country.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi stated that his country stands in solidarity with Israel following the attacks by Hamas militants.
The current Chair of the OSCE and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, condemned Hamas' attacks on Israel and called for an end to these terrorist acts.
In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on all parties to "act with restraint in light of the events in Israel this morning and avoid impulsive actions that will lead to an escalation of tension." Meanwhile, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, announced that he is in "intensive" communication with international officials to halt the ongoing escalation.
Many European leaders have also condemned Hamas for terrorism and violence in Israel.
The German government condemned the Hamas attack on Israel and expressed its support for Tel Aviv. Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz stated, "Today, we receive terrible news from Israel. Rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip and the escalation of violence deeply shock us. Germany condemns these Hamas attacks and supports Israel."
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated on Twitter that she "unequivocally condemns the violence." She added, "This is terrorism in its vilest form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such horrific attacks."
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "full solidarity with the victims," while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, "Germany condemns these Hamas attacks and supports Israel."
This morning, Hamas launched over 2,000 rockets at Israel and infiltrated dozens of militants across the heavily fortified border of the country. This attack caught Israel by surprise during a major holiday.
Hamas fighters reportedly landed in the country using boats, paragliders, and trucks, taking hostages. At least 100 Israelis have been reported dead as a result of the Hamas attack, according to N12, an Israeli news outlet.
The latest official data on the number of injured is 545, although reports suggest 740 people have been wounded.