World leaders react to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on Saturday morning. Many, as during previous conflicts, call for calm and moderation.
This is the Which It is said in the Middle East:
Egypt: Egypt, which often plays the role of mediator between the two sides, is trying to find a way to stop the bloodshed. The ministry said in a statement that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he was conducting “intensive” contacts with his peers and international officials “to stop the ongoing escalation.”
Türkiye: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, during a political conference, that his country calls on “the parties to exercise restraint in light of the events taking place in Israel this morning and to refrain from reckless measures that would increase tension.”
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom said it was closely monitoring the “unprecedented” situation, and called on “both sides to stop the escalation immediately.” The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it reiterates its “previous warnings of the dangers of the situation exploding as a result of the continued occupation and deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights.”
Iran: An advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed support for the Palestinian attack on Israelis on Saturday, the state-run Iranian Students News Agency said.
This is how European Union officials reacted:
Ursula von der Leyen: The European Commission president said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she “unequivocally” condemns the attack. “This is terrorism in its ugliest form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.”
Charles Michel: The President of the European Council also condemned “the indiscriminate attacks launched against Israel and its people this morning, which have caused terrorism and violence against innocent citizens.” My thoughts are with all the victims. “The European Union stands in solidarity with the Israeli people at this terrible time.”
What some European leaders are saying about X:
French President Emmanuel Macron: “I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks currently affecting Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “Today we receive shocking news from Israel. The rocket fire from Gaza and the escalation of violence shock us deeply. “Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and supports Israel.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: “I am shocked by the attacks launched by Hamas terrorists this morning against Israeli citizens. Israel has the absolute right to defend itself. “We are in contact with the Israeli authorities and British citizens in Israel should follow travel advice.”
Russia and Ukraine say:
Both sides in the Ukraine war also made comments.
Russia is in contact with Israeli and Palestinian officials and calls on both sides for an immediate ceasefire, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Middle East envoy Mikhail Bogdanov told RIA Novosti on Saturday.
Ukraine “strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
He added, “We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people.”
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