NEW YORK - MANY world leaders have condemned yesterday morning’s (Oct. 7) unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel by Hamas, which led to US President Joe Biden declaring that his “administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering”.
The Hamas’ early morning surprise attack resulted in at least 600 people having been reportedly killed and some 100 captives.
Following that attack, Israel retaliated today with airstrikes on Gaza City which resulted in more than 370 people being killed.
In addition to the US, Canada, Japan and Britain, as well as an NGO - The Carter Center - came out to condemn the attack.
In a speech from the White House yesterday, President Biden said that the United States stands with Israel.
“We will not ever fail to have their back,” Biden said. “We’ll make sure they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves.”
Biden confirmed that he had discussions with the leader of Israel, noting that the people of that country have the right to take its security and protect themselves.
“You know, when I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning [Oct. 7], I told him the United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of this terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Full stop.”
“There is never justification for terrorist acts. And my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” he added.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Just Trudeau wrote on social media that his country strongly condemns “the current terrorist attacks against Israel”, noting that “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,” Trudeau added.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida strongly condemned the attack, writing that it severely harmed innocent civilians.
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he (Sunak) spoke today with PM Netanyahu and offered any support that Israel needs.
The spokesperson said Sunak reaffirmed that the UK would stand with Israel "unequivocally against these acts of terror”.
The Carter Center had issued a statement, noting that it strongly condemns the targeting of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, while calling for dialogue and action from the international community to halt hostilities in the region.
The statement also said that fundamental human rights of all residents in the region must be protected, land claims and security concerns addressed, and the sanctity of Muslim and Christian holy sites preserved.
The statement further said that “the urgency for a robust and renewed peace process has never been greater” and that “there is not a military solution to the crisis – only a political one”.
France, Italy, the African Union and the European Union have also condemned the Hamas’ actions.
The attacks have left many of the world leaders scrambling to discuss the way forward as they monitor the situation which has been escalating for years.
