West reacts to shocking Hamas military operation against Israel

Western capitals on Saturday strongly condemned a series of Palestinian attacks on Israel, marking a significant escalation in the violence that has been steadily increasing for the past two years.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the Palestinian group Hamas has initiated “a war against the State of Israel.” He further stated that “troops are fighting against the enemy at every location”.

Here is a roundup of the reactions:

EU

“This horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing. The EU expresses its solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

Germany

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Hamas contributes to “the intensification of violence”, adding Israel “has our full solidarity” and “the right, guaranteed by international law, to defend itself against terrorism”.

France

France expressed “full solidarity with Israel and the victims” and underscored “its absolute rejection of terrorism and its commitment to Israel’s security”. French President Emmanuel Macron said he “firmly condemns” the attacks.\

Italy

Italy also backed “Israel’s right to defend itself” against the “brutal attack”.

UK

Britain’s Foreign Minister James Cleverly condemned the “horrific attacks” and underlined Israel’s right to self-defence.

The Netherlands

Dutch PM Mark Rutte said: “Appalling images from Israel. Terror organisation Hamas is waging an unprecedented attack on Israel… This violence must stop; Israel has every right to defend itself.”

Spain

Spain said it was “shocked by the indiscriminate violence” of the attacks on Israel while Ukraine and the Czech Republic said they backed Israel’s right to defend itself.

Russia

“We are now in contact with everyone. With the Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs,” Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Russian private news agency Interfax, adding: “Of course, we always call for restraint.”

Greece

“Greece strongly condemns today’s launch of heavy rocket attacks from Gaza against Israel. Greece stands with Israel and is deeply concerned by this unacceptable escalation of violence,” the ministry posted on X.

Belgium

“Belgium strongly condemns the massive rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. Violence and terror only perpetuates suffering and hinders the path to dialogue. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We are monitoring the situation closely,” she said on X.

Switzerland

“We call for an immediate end to the violence and for the protection of civilians,” the department said on X.

Poland

“I strongly condemn Hamas’ ongoing attacks on Israel. This baseless aggression and acts of violence, especially against civilians, are unacceptable. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these terrible events,” Rau wrote on X.

Ukraine

“Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,” the ministry said on X.

“We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people.”

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