Photo Credit: Al Jazeera
In a shocking and dramatic turn of events, the Palestinian group Hamas has initiated the most significant attack on Israel in years. The assault involved a surprise attack that saw gunmen entering Israeli towns following a barrage of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip. This act of aggression has resulted in numerous casualties, hostages taken, and intense fighting.
Israel has responded swiftly, mobilizing its army and launching air strikes on Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed severe retaliation, declaring that Hamas has effectively declared war.
The international community has reacted swiftly to the escalating conflict:
Arab League: Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit called for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza, emphasizing the need to break the cycle of armed confrontation between the two sides. He criticized Israel’s violent and extremist policies, warning that they undermine regional stability.
Brazil: Brazil, as the chair of the UN Security Council, announced plans to convene an emergency meeting to address the escalating violence. They called for restraint and condemned the series of bombings and ground attacks.
Belgium: Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib condemned the rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and expressed solidarity, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further escalation.
China: China expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence and called on all parties to maintain calm and exercise restraint while urging an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians.
Czech Republic: President Petr Pavel labeled the attack as an act of terrorism and expressed concern that it would obstruct peaceful solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
European Commission: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unequivocally condemned the attack by Hamas terrorists and emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself.
Egypt: Egypt warned of “grave consequences” from the escalating tensions and called for maximum restraint while discussing developments with the European Union.
France: French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “terrorist attacks” against Israel, and the French embassy in Israel expressed solidarity with Israel and its people.
Jordan: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned of the volatility of the situation and emphasized the need to protect civilians and avoid further danger.
Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock over the rocket attacks and firmly condemned the attacks by Hamas, stressing that violence must stop immediately.
Greece: Greece strongly condemned the rocket attacks and expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence while standing with Israel.
Hezbollah: The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah expressed support for the Palestinian resistance and their actions as a response to Israel’s continued occupation.
India: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Israel and condemned the terrorist attacks.
Iran: Iran expressed support for the Palestinian attack, calling it a response to Israel’s occupation and a display of Palestinian confidence.
Italy: Italy supported Israel’s right to defend itself and strongly condemned the terror and violence against innocent civilians.
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war and expressed confidence in victory, promising that the enemy would pay a high price.
Japan: Japan condemned rocket launches and cross-border attacks and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further harm.
Kuwait: Kuwait expressed grave concern and blamed Israel for its “blatant attacks,” calling on the international community to stop provocative practices.
Morocco: Morocco expressed deep concern over the situation, condemned attacks against civilians, and called for a ceasefire.
NATO: NATO condemned “terrorist attacks by Hamas against NATO partner Israel” and emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself.
Palestinian President Abbas: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asserted the Palestinian people’s right to defend themselves against settlers and occupation troops.
Poland: Poland strongly condemned Hamas’ attacks and expressed support for the victims.
Qatar: Qatar blamed Israel for the violence and called for restraint on both sides, urging the international community to prevent a disproportionate war against Palestinian civilians.
Russia: Russia called for restraint and maintained contact with Israel, the Palestinians, and Arab countries to address the conflict.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians, expressing concern over the high level of violence.
Spain: Spain’s acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares condemned the attacks from Gaza against Israel and expressed solidarity with the victims.
Turkey: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Israelis and Palestinians to act with restraint and refrain from hostile acts that could exacerbate the situation.
Ukraine: President Volodymr Zelenskyy condemned the “terror attack” on Israel and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE called for maximum restraint and an immediate ceasefire to avoid serious repercussions, expressing condolences to the victims.
United Kingdom: The UK criticized Hamas’ attack on Israel and expressed unequivocal support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
United Nations: UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland called for de-escalation, emphasizing the dangerous precipice the situation represents. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk condemned the attack and stressed that civilians must never be targeted.
United States: The US condemned the “appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel” and expressed unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself. The US military pledged to provide assistance to Israel.
Venezuela: Venezuela expressed deep concern over the clashes, attributing the violence to the Palestinian people’s struggle for their historic rights.
Yemen: Houthi rebels in Yemen expressed support for the Palestinian operation, describing it as a battle of dignity, pride, and defense against Israel.
The international community watches with increasing concern as tensions continue to rise in the region. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene to address the situation further.
Report Credit: Al Jazeera
