Image Credits - Times of Israel
Image Credits - EPSU
On Saturday, Palestinian militants launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 lives and multiple injuries. This onslaught triggered air raid sirens throughout Israel, heightening the prospect of another intense bout of conflict. The barrage, which began in the early morning and continued for over 30 minutes, had such a resounding impact that its echoes reached as far as Tel Aviv, while alarm sirens blared even in Gaza. Here’s how other nations responded to these events:
France
The French Embassy in Israel issued a statement strongly condemning the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israel, characterizing them as “unacceptable acts of terrorism.”
Expressing profound concern about the unfolding events in the southern region of the country, the French Embassy stated that “these acts of terrorism are absolutely unacceptable and warrant condemnation from all quarters.” The embassy also affirmed its solidarity with Israel and the Israeli people. This statement was posted on the social media platform X, formerly recognized as Twitter.
Czech Republic
The Czech government expressed its condemnation of Hamas for initiating what it termed “terrorist attacks” against Israel, a long-standing ally of Prague. Israel has accused the Palestinian militant group of commencing a state of war.
Throughout its history, the Czech Republic, and its predecessor, Czechoslovakia, have consistently stood as some of Israel’s most steadfast allies.
European Union
The European Union issued an unequivocal condemnation of the attacks conducted by the Palestinian group Hamas against Israel and called for an immediate cessation of the violence.
Expressing deep concern over the reports emerging from Israel, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that “the attacks by Hamas are strongly condemned.” He emphasized the urgent need for an end to this distressing violence, underlining that terrorism and violence are not productive solutions. The EU also conveyed its solidarity with Israel during these challenging times.
Egypt
In a statement released by the foreign ministry and reported by the state news agency, Egypt issued a warning about the potential “grave consequences” resulting from an escalation in tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. Egypt urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and to refrain from putting civilians in additional peril.
Ukraine
Ukraine conveyed its solidarity with Israel following a series of rocket attacks launched from Gaza.
In a statement shared on social media, the Ukrainian foreign ministry strongly denounced the continuous terrorist attacks against Israel, which included rocket strikes targeting civilian populations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Ukraine expressed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed strong condemnation against what it called “terrorism” against Israel.
#Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We express our support for #Israel in its right to defend itself and its people.
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) October 7, 2023
United Kingdom
Britain’s foreign minister, James Cleverly, denounced the attacks on Israel carried out by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip.
In a statement posted on social media, Cleverly expressed the UK’s unequivocal condemnation of the “horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.” He also affirmed that the UK would consistently uphold Israel’s right to defend itself.
Russia
Russia called for restraint from all parties involved after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets on Israel, leading to Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, in communication with Russian private news agency Interfax, mentioned that they are currently in contact with various parties, including Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs and they consistently advocate for the exercise of restraint.