Hamas attack on Israel: Reactions from around the world
MANILA, Philippines – Various governments around the world condemned the surprise attack of Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israel on Saturday, October 7.
In a video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas. “I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price…. We are at war and we will win it,” he said.
The surprise morning assault combined gunmen crossing into several Israeli towns with a heavy barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
Here are some reactions around the world following the incident:
United States
The United States condemns attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel, and supports Israel’s right to defend itself, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday.
“There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department.
“We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” Blinken said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the United States would work to ensure that Israel “has what it needs to defend itself.”
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin said in a statement.
French President Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that he strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks which are currently hitting Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, and their families and those close to them,” Macron wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly
Britain “unequivocally condemns” a surprise attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on Saturday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.
“The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself,” Cleverly said in a post on social media.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was shocked by the attacks.
“We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice,” Sunak added.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk
“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,” said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk.
“This attack is having a horrific impact on Israeli
