A deluge of reactions has trailed the renewed bloody clash between Israel and Hamas militant group which began at the weekend.
Hamas launched a devastating offensive early Saturday against Israel, firing thousands of rockets aimed as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as its fighters breached Gaza’s security barrier.
The attacks come after weeks of heightened tensions along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza, and heavy fighting in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Israel’s army said the land, sea and air attack — which saw Hamas fighters shooting residents in Israeli towns and settlements — had killed more than 200 Israelis and wounded 1,000.
Gun battles raged into Sunday morning between Israeli forces and hundreds of Hamas fighters in multiple Israel locations, while soldiers and civilians were taken hostage.
Gaza officials said intense Israeli air strikes on the coastal enclave had brought the Palestinian death toll to at least 256, with nearly 1,800 wounded.
Reacting to the ugly situation, the Nigerian government in its reaction sued for peace saying “it is “deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.”
In a statement signed by the minister of foreign affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, the government decried the cycle of violence and retaliation that the current escalation has assumed saying it “only serves to perpetuate an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population that bears the brunt of every conflict.”
“The federal government of Nigeria, therefore, calls for both sides to exercise restraint, prioritise the safety of civilians, and give room for humanitarian considerations.
“We are therefore calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” he said.
African Union
African Union Commission appealed for an end to the conflict and enjoined both parties “to return, without preconditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two states living side by side.”
The commission’s chairman, Mr Moussa Faki said in a statement that the renewed confrontation has “grave consequences” for the lives of civilians and regional peace.
He recalled that “denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension,”
Mahamat called on both parties “to return, without preconditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two States living side by side”.
He further called on the international community, and the major world powers in particular, to assume their responsibilities to impose peace and guarantee the rights of the two peoples,”
Kenya
“We repudiate the planners, funders and implementers of this heinous attack. While Israel has a right to retaliate, a peaceful path to resolving this unfortunate development is urged,” Korir Sing’oei, principal secretary at Kenya’s foreign ministry, said on X.
Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda said: “The break out of renewed violence in Israel- Palestine is regrettable. Why don’t the two sides implement the two States’ Solution? To be condemned, in particular, is the practice of targeting civilians and non- combatants by the belligerents.”
United States
“There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: “Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.
“Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering…Our agency will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” assured US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
Britain
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.”
The UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly added: “The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
He denounced the Palestinian movement as “terrorists” and “not fighters (nor) militants”, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer “utterly condemn(ed)” the attacks as “an act of terror”.
Iran
Iran has support for the Palestinian assault, one of its local news agencies ISNA reported.
“We congratulate the Palestinian fighters,” it quoted Iranian military commander Rahim Safavi, who added: “We will stand by the Palestinian fighters until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.”
Iran officials also hailed the Palestinian assault as a ‘proud operation of Al-Aqsa Flood’.
“Today’s operation marked a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers. The resistance has so far achieved brilliant victories during this operation, and this is a bright spot in the history of the Palestinian people’s struggle against the Zionists,” said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
The Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” the official news agency WAFA quoted Abbas as saying.
United Nations
U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland said: “This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink.”
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk said: “This attack is having a horrific impact on Israeli civilians … Civilians must never be the target of attack.”
China
The Chinese foreign ministry urged relevant parties “to remain calm, exercise restraint and immediately end the hostilities to protect civilians and avoid further deterioration of the situation”.
“The fundamental way out of the conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine,” the foreign ministry said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
“Terrifying news reaches us today from #Israel. We are deeply shocked by the rocket fire from Gaza and the escalating violence. Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands by Israel,” Scholz said on social media.
French President Emmanuel Macron
“I express my full solidarity with the victims, and their families and those close to them,” he said.
Morocco
Morocco, which is moving towards full diplomatic ties with Israel under the so-called “Abraham Accords”, voiced “deep concern” and condemned attacks on civilians “where ever they are”.
However, Morocco’s Islamist PJD party, which had been the largest in parliament until elections in 2021, praised the Hamas attack as “a heroic act” and “a natural and legitimate reaction to daily violations”.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell
“Using civilians as hostages is a blatant violation of all laws. I will do my utmost to contribute to their freedom,” Borrell said.
He added he was travelling to Muscat, Oman to meet Arab counterparts. “Even at this tragic moment, we recall the importance of working towards a lasting and sustainable peace through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process,” he said.
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,” he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Polish President Andrzej Duda
“I’m shocked by today’s brutal attacks on Israel by Hamas. Rockets attacks and detention of civilians as hostages arouse our deepest opposition. Poland strongly condemns all acts of violence,” Duda said on Saturday.
Czech President Petr Pavel
“The attack conducted from the Gaza Strip is a deplorable act of terrorism against the State of Israel and the civilian population,” Pavel said in a statement.
“The rocket attacks and the infiltration of Hamas commandos into Israel will block any efforts for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for a long time.”
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,” Kishida said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“A number of people were reportedly abducted by the militants. Japan strongly condemns such acts and urges their immediate release. Japan is deeply concerned about a number of casualties in Gaza as well. All the parties concerned should exercise maximum restraint.”
Reuters, Sky News
