An Israeli police officer stands in front of a burning car in Ashkelon after a Hamas rocket attack. (imago-images / Xinhua / Ilan Assayag)
In a televised speech, US President Biden said the world was closely watching the attacks on Israel. The warning is likely aimed at Iran and the Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Previously, they had welcomed the attack on Israel by Palestinian militants.
A senior White House official said there had been an “in-depth discussion” between the United States and Israel about the need for military assistance. But he acknowledged a complicated situation because the Chamber of Deputies is currently “paralyzed” following the dismissal of its president. Congress would have to be involved in arms deliveries.
Zelenskyy guarantees solidarity with Netanyahu
In a phone call, Ukrainian President Zelensky assured Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of solidarity in the fight against Islamic Hamas. Zelenskyy announced on portal X (formerly Twitter) that he expressed his condolences to Netanyahu in the face of the many deaths. Both sides also discussed the impact of the situation on the security situation in the region and beyond.
UN Security Council emergency meeting
The UN Security Council meets today for an emergency meeting due to the escalation of violence in the Middle East. The announcement was made by Brazil, which currently presides over the body. Itamaraty in Brasília said it condemns the series of attacks carried out against Israel from the Gaza Strip. He called on the parties to the conflict to exercise restraint in order to avoid further escalation of the situation.
The Palestinian Authority has requested an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers. This is reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA. The request was made in light of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, he said. Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Gheit traveled to Russia for development talks. An Arab League spokesman in Cairo said he wanted to discuss the situation with Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow. After Hamas’ attacks on Israel, Russia accused the West of blocking negotiations for a peace solution within the framework of the so-called Middle East Quartet. In addition to Russia, the group includes the US, the EU and the United Nations.
In telephone conversations with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtajjeh and King Abdullah II of Jordan, EU Council President Michel strongly condemned Hamas’ terrorist violence and called for de-escalation and an end to hostilities. According to EU sources, Michel called for full respect for human rights, the protection of civilian lives and the immediate release of the hostages.
The federal government stops development cooperation with the Palestinians
The Federal Ministry of Development has temporarily ceased its cooperation with the Palestinian territories. “These attacks on Israel are a terrible turning point,” explained Development Minister Schulze. The SPD politician said that all commitment to the Palestinian territories would be put to the test. According to the ministry, support payments “are not being made at this time”. The debate over German support for the Palestinians had already erupted previously.
Additional Information
In our news blog about the attack on Israel you will find an overview of the latest developments.
This message was sent on October 8, 2023 on the Deutschlandfunk Nova program.