World leaders are reacting to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel this Saturday morning. As in previous conflicts, many are calling for calm and moderation.
this is that The In the Middle East it is said:
Egypt: Egypt, often a mediator between the two sides, is already trying to find a way to stop the bloodshed. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he was in “intensive” communication with his counterparts and international officials to “stop the ongoing escalation,” a ministry statement said.
Türkiye: At a political conference, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country was calling on “the parties to exercise restraint in light of the events in Israel this morning and to refrain from impulsive measures that would increase tensions.”
Saudi Arabia: The kingdom said it was closely monitoring the “unprecedented” situation and called on “both sides to immediately stop the escalation.” The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it reiterated its “previous warnings about the dangers of an explosion in the situation as a result of the ongoing occupation and the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights.”
Iran: An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed support for the militant Palestinian attack on Israelis on Saturday, the Iranian state-affiliated ISNA said.
Here’s how European Union officials responded:
Ursula von der Leyen: The president of the European Commission said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she “unequivocally” condemned the attack. “It is terrorism in its most despicable 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 carried out this morning against Israel and its people, inflicting terror and violence on innocent citizens.” My thoughts are with all the victims. “The EU stands in solidarity with the Israeli people at this terrible time.”
What some European leaders say about X:
French President Emmanuel Macron: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks currently affecting Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and their loved ones.”
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 Hamas attacks and supports Israel.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: “I am shocked by the attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israeli citizens this morning. 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 have also commented.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Middle East envoy Mikhail Bogdanov told RIA Novosti on Saturday that Russia was in contact with Israeli and Palestinian officials and called on both sides for an immediate ceasefire.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Ukraine “strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks on civilians in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.”
“We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people,” he added.