Global reactions varied as nations commented on the recent attacks by Hamas on Israel, which involved missile launches, ground confrontations, and infiltration operations. From outright condemnation to calls for restraint and peace, here is a summary of some of the world’s reactions.
United States
Stephanie Hallet, the acting head of the US mission in Israel, sternly criticized the “indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israeli civilians”. Hallet stressed her communications with Israeli officials and endorsed Israel’s right to defend itself against such acts.
Russia
In Moscow, Kremlin’s envoy to the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, implored both Israelis and Palestinians to “exercise restraint”. Bogdanov highlighted Russia’s continuous dialogue with both sides and the Arab world.
United Kingdom
UK’s Foreign Minister James Cleverly condemned, “without reservation, Hamas’ shocking attacks on Israeli civilians”. Expressing solidarity on a former ‘Twitter’ platform called “X”, Cleverly reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 7, 2023
France
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed strong condemnation of the current terror attacks against Israel, showcasing profound empathy for the victims and their families.
Germany
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock took to “X” platform, strongly denouncing the attacks on Israel from Gaza and calling for an immediate cessation of violence against innocent civilians. Baerbock emphasized Israel’s international law-backed right to counteract terror.
Hamas eskaliert die Gewalt. Ich verurteile die terroristischen Angriffe aus Gaza gegen #Israel aufs Schärfste. Gewalt & Raketen gegen Unschuldige müssen sofort aufhören. Israel hat unsere volle Solidarität & das völkerrechtlich verbriefte Recht, sich gegen Terror zu verteidigen.
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) October 7, 2023
Ukraine
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has robustly condemned the ongoing terror assaults on Israel, including rocket attacks on citizens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Their statement conveyed unwavering support for Israel’s defensive rights.
Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey called on both Israel and the Palestinians to “act rationally”, urging them to refrain from hostile acts that could further exacerbate the situation.
Spain
José Manuel Albares, Spain’s acting Foreign Minister, speaking on the “X” platform, vehemently denounced the severe terror attacks originating from Gaza against Israel. Expressing deep distress over the indiscriminate violence, Albares conveyed heartfelt solidarity with the victims.
Condenamos enérgicamente los gravísimos ataques terroristas desde Gaza contra Israel.
Sobrecogidos por esta violencia indiscriminada. Toda nuestra solidaridad con las víctimas.
España está firmemente comprometida con la paz, la seguridad y la estabilidad en la región.
— José Manuel Albares (@jmalbares) October 7, 2023
Egypt
Cairo issued a warning about the “grave consequences” of escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s statement highlighted the necessity of maximizing restraint and safeguarding civilians from further peril.
مصر تدعو إلى ضبط النفس بين “فلسطين وإسرائيل” وتحذر من مخاطر التصعيد
🗞️حذرت وزارة الخارجية المصرية من ما أسمته “مخاطر وخيمة” للتصعيد الجاري بين الجانبين الفلسطيني والإسرائيلي، في أعقاب سلسلة من الاعتداءات ضد المدن الفلسطينية.
ودعت مصر في بيان نشرته وزارة الخارجية المصرية اليوم،… pic.twitter.com/udEcQPql2H
— Zawia3-زاوية ثالثة (@zawiaa3) October 7, 2023
United Arab Emirates
The UAE voiced serious concerns over the rising violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The Foreign Ministry underscored the need for de-escalation and preservation of civilian lives, extending heartfelt condolences to recent combat victims.
Saudi Arabia
In a statement, Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over the unprecedented escalations between certain Palestinian factions and Israeli forces. The Kingdom’s communication emphasized the urgency to halt escalations, protect civilians, and exercise restraint.
Qatar
Qatar expressed its profound concern about the situation in Gaza. While urging all parties to de-escalate, the Qatari Foreign Ministry solely blamed Israel for the current escalation due to its continued violations of Palestinian rights.
Country | Official Stance | Notable Quotes/Highlights |
---|---|---|
USA | Condemnation | Acting US Ambassador to Israel, Stephanie Hallett, condemned the “indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians”. Hallett emphasized the US’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense against such acts. |
Russia | Call for Restraint | The Kremlin’s envoy for the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, urged both parties to exercise restraint, mentioning ongoing communication with Israelis, Palestinians, and Arab states. |
UK | Condemnation | UK Foreign Minister, James Cleverly, unequivocally condemned the “appalling Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians”, asserting the UK’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense. |
France | Condemnation | French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks on Israel and expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families. |
Germany | Condemnation | German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly denounced the attacks and called for an immediate cessation of violence against innocent civilians, asserting Germany’s support for Israel’s legal right to defend itself. |
Ukraine | Condemnation | The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry vehemently condemned the ongoing attacks on Israel, specifically highlighting the rocket attacks on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The ministry expressed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense. |
Turkey | Call for Rationality | President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey urged both Israel and Palestinians to “act rationally”, calling for the avoidance of hostile acts that could escalate the situation. |
Spain | Condemnation | The acting Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, denounced the severe terrorist attacks originating from Gaza against Israel, expressing deep concerns over the indiscriminate violence. |
Egypt | Warning and Call for Restraint | Egypt warned of the “serious repercussions” from the rising tensions and called for maximum restraint to protect civilians. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry is reportedly engaging in intensive communications at all levels to contain the crisis. |
UAE | Concern and Call for Ceasefire | The UAE expressed its grave concerns over the escalating violence and emphasized the need to cease hostilities and protect civilian lives. The nation called for the urgent reactivation of the International Quartet Committee to revive the Arab-Israeli peace process. |
Saudi Arabia | Call for Immediate Ceasefire and Recognition of Palestinian Rights | The Kingdom monitored the unprecedented developments between Palestinian factions and Israeli forces with great concern. It urged an immediate de-escalation and reiterated its warnings against the continuous occupation and provocations against Palestinian sanctities. |
Qatar | Concern and Condemnation | Qatar expressed deep concerns over the developments in Gaza and blamed Israel solely for the current escalation due to its ongoing violations of Palestinian rights. The nation reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. |
What unfolded on Saturday?
Hamas launched dozens of rockets from Gaza towards Israel, prompting nationwide air raid sirens. Israeli defense forces reported infiltrations from Gaza, advising border residents to stay indoors. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved a broad call-up of reserve soldiers. Emergency measures were activated in an 80km radius from Gaza, and Israel’s Channel 12 reported hundreds injured, with at least 40 in critical condition. The Israeli army spokesperson mentioned about 2200 rockets fired by Hamas, in addition to infiltration attempts. The Israeli military commenced an operation named “Iron Swords” against Hamas in Gaza.
Well, not good. Israel under very serious attack. Hamas crossing the border 30 km plus over 2200 rockets fired into various cities. Who supports Hamas? Iran. Who just gave Iran 6 billion? Biden Admin.
👇 click on pic.twitter.com/iqQydFAaI7— ⚔Dennis⚔ (@clovis1931) October 7, 2023