A host of Western leaders have condemned Hamas in the wake of the terrorist organization’s attack on Israel early Saturday — the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War — which appears to be the most significant assault on the Jewish state since 1973. Alongside a rocket bombardment, Hamas terrorists bulldozed barriers between Israel and Gaza, infiltrating the southern part of the country and targeting civilians in murders and kidnappings.
President Joe Biden issued a statement late Saturday morning, some 12 hours after the attacks began, in which he said the U.S. “unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza.” Biden said he has been in close contact with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserted the U.S’s belief in Israel’s right to defend itself, and warned other parties hostile to Israel not to involve themselves in the violence.
Biden’s statement came after a since-deleted X post from the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs calling on Israel not to retaliate against the unprovoked violence.
Palestinian groups fired thousands of rockets into the country, killing at least 100 Israelis and wounding 800. The assault has reached across the country, as an Israel Defense Forces-provided map demonstrates.
Israelis across the country—on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah—woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning.
We will defend ourselves. pic.twitter.com/S9GN8fld4Y
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023
European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen issued a statement on X early Saturday morning: “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.”
German prime minister Olaf Scholz joined her, calling the news “terrifying.”
“Terrifying news reach us today from Israel. We are deeply shocked by the rocket fire from Gaza and the escalating violence. Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands by Israel,” Scholz wrote on social media.
According to IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, dozens of Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel on foot, followed by a “naval infiltration” bringing attackers to Zikim, a kibbutz in the southern region of the country. The on-the-ground fighting has spread to 22 locations in Israel, which has responded with air strikes targeting Hamas terrorists near the border.
British prime minister Rishi Sunak affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.
“I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice,” Sunak wrote on X.
“I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones,” French president Emmanuel Macron wrote.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau: “Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian life must be protected.”