2023-10-07 15:08:00
AFP photo.
United Nations and several countries condemned the surprise attack launched by the Palestinian militias of the Hamas movement against Israel and They demanded that the new escalation of violence “immediately cease” in the region.
“I strongly condemn the multi-pronged assault on Israeli cities and towns near the Gaza Strip and the barrage of rockets launched by Hamas militias against central Israel,” said the UN special coordinator for the peace process. in the Middle East, Tor Wennesland.
“These events have led to horrible scenes of violence and many Israeli deaths and injuries, and many of them are believed to have been kidnapped within the Strip. These are atrocious attacks against civilians and they must stop immediately,” he added in statements quoted by the Europa Press news agency.
The spike in violence began with a massive rocket launch from various points in the Gaza Strip, which were claimed by Hamas, added by incursions by several Palestinian militiamen into Israeli territory.
In response, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated this Saturday that the country “is at war” and assured that the movement Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, will pay “an unprecedented price”.
“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 from such atrocious attacks,” wrote European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on her Twitter account. X (xTwitter).
AFP photo.
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, also repudiated the situation: “This horrible violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing. The EU expresses its solidarity with Israel in these difficult times”.
For its part, Russia called for calm, and said it was “in contact with the whole world at this moment, with the Israelis, the Palestinians and the Arabs,” according to Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister and Kremlin emissary for Middle East and Africa.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could exacerbate the conflict.
“I urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from taking impulsive measures that aggravate the situation,” Erdogan declared in Parliament, quoted by the Sputnik news agency.
France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain condemned the Hamas attacks and both Italy and Ukraine supported Israel’s right to defend itself.
“The missile attacks from Gaza and the violence dismay us. Germany condemns these attacks and stands with Israel,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“I am dismayed by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has the absolute right to defend itself,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, also on the social network X.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, indicated in a statement that it “closely follows the unprecedented escalation between Palestinian factions and the Israeli occupation forces, which has resulted in increased violence.”
“The kingdom asks for restraint from both sides, calls for an immediate cessation of escalation and to protect civilians,” he added.
The US condemned the “unjustified attacks by Hamas terrorists”
The United States “unequivocally” condemned the attack by “Hamas terrorists” against Israel, the White House said in a statement.
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unjustified attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson, adding that “there is never a justification for terrorism.”
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and they will remain in close contact, according to the statement cited by the AFP news agency.
“We firmly support the government and people of Israel and express our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Watson added.
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