At 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, Hamas, the Iran-backed terror group controlling Gaza, launched an unprovoked and vicious surprise attack on Israel. Using rockets, paragliders, boats, motorcycles and other vehicles, and whatever other means they could, terrorists infiltrated Israel with one goal—to murder and kidnap Israelis.
Over 1,200 Israelis have been killed, thousands are critically wounded, and more than 134 Israelis have been kidnapped. More than 13,500 rockets have been fired at Israeli towns and cities. Israeli families are huddled in bomb shelters.
Since the start of this unprovoked war, AJC has closely monitored the situation, doing all that we can to support Israel at this critical time. We continue to call on leaders across the globe to condemned these heinous terror attacks. Here are some of the the world leaders who have spoken out against this Hamas terror attack:
U.S. President Joe Biden
Today, I spoke with @IsraeliPM about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. @FLOTUS and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2023
The United States stands with the people of Israel.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2023
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken
We unequivocally condemn the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 7, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Today, the entire world saw horrifying videos from Israel. Terrorists humiliate women and men, detain even the elderly, and show no mercy.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 7, 2023
In the face of such a terrorist strike, everyone who values life must stand in solidarity.
We in Ukraine have a special feeling about… pic.twitter.com/AnBgVO2X0J
Horrible news from Israel. My condolences go out to everyone who lost relatives or close ones in the terrorist attack. We have faith that order will be restored and terrorists will be defeated.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 7, 2023
Terror should have no place in the world, because it is always a crime, not just…
France Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna
#Israël se réveille sous le feu d'attaques terroristes, qui ont fait des victimes. Solidarité, condamnation absolue du terrorisme et attachement à la sécurité d'Israël.
— Catherine Colonna (@MinColonna) October 7, 2023
La violence est une impasse. https://t.co/Q8IfkMaseZ
Romania Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu
We stand in solidarity with Israel 🇮🇱 in these difficult moments. Strongly condemn the rockets attacks which spread terror. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.
— Luminita Odobescu (@Odobes1Luminita) October 7, 2023
Italy Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
Il Governo condanna con la massima fermezza gli attacchi a #Israele. Sono a rischio la vita delle persone, la sicurezza della regione e la ripresa di qualsiasi processo politico. Hamas cessi subito questa barbara violenza. Sosteniamo il diritto di 🇮🇱 ad esistere e difendersi.
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) October 7, 2023
President of the Republic of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen
On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I express my deepest condolences to all those who have been injured or lost loved ones in Hamas’ attack on Israel and Israeli civilians.
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) October 8, 2023
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
Hamas and other Palestinian militants attacked Israel from Gaza yesterday. Japan strongly condemns the attacks which severely harmed innocent civilians. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and heartfelt sympathies to the injured.
— 岸田文雄 (@kishida230) October 8, 2023
Austrian President A. Van der Bellen
I am horrified and strongly condemn Hamas’ ongoing brutal attack on #Israel and the terror and violence it is waging against innocent people. We stand in solidarity with Israel. This must stop now! (vdb)
— A. Van der Bellen (@vanderbellen) October 7, 2023
Ministry of Foreign Affairs United Arab Emirates
In a statement, @mofauae has called for the protection of civilians and stressed that the immediate priority is to end the violence and protect the civilian population.
— Afra Al Hameli (@AfraMalHameli) October 8, 2023
The #UAE Ministry stressed that attacks by Hamas against Israeli towns and villages near the Gaza strip,…
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of EU Josep Borrell Fontelles
We follow with anguish the news coming from #Israel. We unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 7, 2023
This horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing.
The EU expresses its solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
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
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2023
French President Emmanuel Macron
Je condamne fermement les attaques terroristes qui frappent actuellement Israël. J’exprime ma pleine solidarité avec les victimes, leurs familles et leurs proches.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 7, 2023
German Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
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
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
I strongly condemn today’s atrocious terrorist attack against Israel, causing a high number of casualties among civilians. We stand by the people of Israel and fully support its right to self- defense.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) October 7, 2023
Slovakia Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Wlachovsky
I strongly condemn today’s deadly massive rocket attacks on #Israel 🇮🇱 from Gaza and terrorist infiltration into Israel territory. Israel has the right to defend itself against such aggression. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and with everyone affected. @elicoh1
— Miroslav Wlachovsky (@MWlachovsky) October 7, 2023
National leader of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
We strongly condemn the attacks by Hamas on #Israel, which have led to widespread devastation & the tragic loss of innocent lives. The resilience & strength of the Israeli people shines through adversity. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the victims.
— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) October 7, 2023
Hungary Prime Minister Orbán Viktor
We strongly condemn the brutal attack against #Israel , and unequivocally support Israel’s right to self-defence. I would like to express my sympathy and condolences to Prime Minister @netanyahu . Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel in these dark hours.
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) October 7, 2023
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen
DK FM @larsloekke: “I strongly condemn the attack this morning by Hamas against Israel. We must stand firm together against terrorism. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all of Israel.”
— Denmark MFA 🇩🇰 (@DanishMFA) October 7, 2023
Bulgaria Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel
I strongly condemn the large scale attacks against Israel and the Hamas terrorist infiltration from Gaza. The violence must be stopped immediately to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
— Mariya Gabriel (@GabrielMariya) October 7, 2023
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles
We follow with anguish the news coming from #Israel. We unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 7, 2023
This horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing.
The EU expresses its solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.
Foreign Minister of North Macedonia
I strongly condemn violent attacks by group Hamas on Israel. Extending our full solidarity with Israel; these acts of terror must stop immediately
— Bujar Osmani (@Bujar_O) October 7, 2023
President of North Macedonia
We condemn the terror attacks launched against #Israel and the killings of innocent civilians.
— Stevo Pendarovski (@SPendarovski) October 7, 2023
Expressing solidarity with President @Isaac_Herzog, the people, and the State of Israel in these dire times.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 7, 2023
It is terrorism in its most despicable form.
Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.
I spoke to my friend President @Isaac_Herzog and conveyed to him my full support to Israel in the face of today’s terrorist attack by Hamas.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 7, 2023
I reiterate that Israel has the right to self-defence.
The EU mourns the victims of these senseless attacks and stands by Israel today…
The Italian Government
“The Italian government is closely following the brutal attack taking place in Israel. Condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing terror and violence against innocent civilians. Terror will never prevail. We support Israel's right to defend itself.” https://t.co/C8NoDtQ3b7
— Italy in Israel (@ItalyinIsrael) October 7, 2023
Kosova President Vjosa Osmani
Appalled by the terror attacks and killings of innocent civilians in Israel.
— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) October 7, 2023
We express our full solidarity with President @Isaac_Herzog, the people, and the State of Israel in these dark hours.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs
I strongly condemn terrorist attacks launched by #Hamas against innocent Israeli citizens. #Israel has right to defend itself. #Latvia stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and I offer my deep condolences to the families and friends of the victims #Israel_under_attack
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) October 7, 2023
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte
I strongly condemn the terror attacks on #Israel this morning, and express my condolences to all those affected by these terrorist acts. Terror will never prevail.
— Ingrida Šimonytė (@IngridaSimonyte) October 7, 2023
Our thoughts are with the people in Israel.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu
Appalled by the ongoing assault on Israel. I condemn the massive violence against innocent civilians.
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) October 7, 2023
My thoughts are with Israel and all those defending against these ruthless attacks, @Isaac_Herzog.
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau
I condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing attacks by Hamas against Israel. Such indiscriminate violence and ruthless targeting of civilians is unacceptable. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by these outrageous acts of aggression.
— Zbigniew Rau (@RauZbigniew) October 7, 2023
Lithuania Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis
Lithuania strongly condemns the firing of rockets and strikes on civilians by Hamas in Israel. The use of violence and terrorism must end.
— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) October 7, 2023
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu
Terrible news coming from Israel this morning. We stand in full solidarity with Israel and condemn the rocket attacks against Israel. We send our condoleances to the families and ask for these attacks to immediately stop.
— Marcel Ciolacu (@CiolacuMarcel) October 7, 2023
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 7, 2023
Israel has an absolute right to defend itself.
We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg
I strongly condemn the Hamas terrorist infiltration from Gaza into Israel and the indiscriminate attacks with thousands of rockets targeting innocent civilians. Israel has a right to defend itself against such senseless terror.
— Alexander Schallenberg (@a_schallenberg) October 7, 2023
President of European Parliament Roberta Metsola
Horrified at the unfolding attacks on #Israel. We condemn the terror and violence waged against innocent people.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) October 7, 2023
My thoughts are with all those under fire, all the first responders and those defending against these brutal attacks.
Terror will never prevail. 🇪🇺 🇮🇱
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly
Hamas are not “fighters”.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 7, 2023
Hamas are not “militants”.
Hamas are terrorists.
There is no other word to describe the brutality of firing rockets or terrorist attacks targeting civilians.
Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Mircea Geoana
At the #NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas against our partner #Israel – which has a right & responsibility to defend itself. I know Israel will overcome this difficult situation, and its future will continue to be bright.#NATOPAKobenhavn pic.twitter.com/LMLJPmOP2Y
— Mircea Geoana (@Mircea_Geoana) October 9, 2023
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau
Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian life must be protected.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 7, 2023
Embassy of Japan in Israel
We strongly condemn today's deadly rocket attacks on, and terrorist infiltration into, Israel from Gaza. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone affected
— Embassy of Japan in Israel (@JapanEmb_Israel) October 7, 2023
Belgium Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo
We stand with Israel in these dark hours.
— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) October 7, 2023
The terror attacks that strike your cities can only be condemned in the strongest terms.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones.
We call for restraint and an immediate end to this violence.
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
I unequivocally condemn the horrifying terrorist attacks against Israel from Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. I personally extend my profound sympathy to everyone affected. Cyprus stands firmly in solidarity with Israel and in support of its right to self-defense
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) October 7, 2023
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi
We strongly condemn the ruthless terrorist attacks and violence waged by Hamas against Israel.
— Oliver Varhelyi (@OliverVarhelyi) October 7, 2023
My thoughts are with the families of the victims and the people of Israel.
We stand together with Israel.
We stand together against terrorism.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese
Australia stands with our friend Israel in this time.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 7, 2023
We condemn the indiscriminate and abhorrent attacks by Hamas on Israel, its cities and civilians.
We recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.
