Political leaders from around the globe have condemned Hamas’ sweeping attack on Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, and pledged their support for the Jewish state.
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday morning, following earlier conversations between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi.
“US President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that the US stands by Israel and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” read a statement from Netanyahu’s office. “The Prime Minister thanked the US. President for his unreserved support and made it clear that a prolonged and powerful campaign would be required in which Israel would win.”
In a separate statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday that the United States “unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners.”
The U.S. “unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians,” said National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson in a statement.” 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.”
The leaders of Israel’s many other allies in Europe and beyond condemned the assault in statements early Saturday, shortly after Hamas unleashed a ground and air attack on Israel that has killed dozens, wounded hundreds and paralyzed life in the country.
“The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians,” British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted. “The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken to Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. “I condemn the attacks carried out from Gaza against Israel, its soldiers and its population,” Macron said. “France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he, too, had spoken with Netanyahu. “I told him that the Netherlands unequivocally condemns this terrorist violence and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” Rutte tweeted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is also fighting a defensive war, issued a statement offering condolences to those who have suffered losses and confidence that Israel would prevail.
“Israel’s right to self-defense is unquestionable,” Zelensky said. “All details surrounding this terrorist assault must be revealed so that the world knows and holds accountable everyone who supported and helped carry out the attack.”
Meanwhile, several Arab and Muslim countries said they urged restraint without pledging support for Israel, according to a roundup of international responses collected by Reuters.
Oman, which had at one point been seen as a candidate for opening ties with Israel but recently criminalized relations instead, stood apart from the international response by issuing a statement blaming the violence on Israel.
Jmore staff contributed to this report.
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