World leaders have called for restraint in the aftermath of Saturday’s Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli retaliation. Here are the international responses:
Pakistan
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed concern over the violence, calling for a two-state solution with a sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders.
Arab League
Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit called for an immediate halt to military operations and criticized Israel’s policies, warning of instability in the region.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi foreign ministry called for an immediate cessation of violence.
UAE
The UAE urged maximum restraint and an immediate ceasefire to prevent further repercussions.
Kuwait
Kuwait expressed grave concern and blamed Israel for its “blatant attacks.”
Iran
An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader congratulated Palestinian fighters and pledged support for their cause.
Yemen
Huthi rebels supported the attack and described it as a battle of dignity and defense.
Egypt
Egypt warned of grave consequences and called for maximum restraint.
Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for restraint from all parties.
Qatar
Qatar blamed Israel for the escalation and called for restraint from both sides.
Morocco
Morocco expressed deep concern and condemned attacks against civilians.
United States
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned terrorism and expressed solidarity with Israel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged support for Israel’s defense.
United Nations
Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland urged all parties to step back from the dangerous precipice. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk emphasized the protection of civilians.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the rocket fire from Gaza and expressed shock.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the attacks.
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the terrorist attacks and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
UK
The UK unequivocally condemned the attacks by Hamas and supported Israel’s right to defend itself.
European Union
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the attacks and called for an immediate end to the violence.
Russia: Russia called for restraint and was in contact with all parties involved.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “terror attack” on Israel and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.
Hezbollah
The Lebanese group Hezbollah expressed support for the Palestinian resistance and described the events as a response to Israel’s continued occupation.
Poland
Polish President Andrzej Duda strongly condemned all acts of violence and expressed opposition to rocket attacks and the detention of civilians.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic President Petr Pavel described the attack as an act of terrorism and warned that it would hinder peaceful solutions to the conflict.
Italy
Italy expressed concern and paid special attention to the security of the Jewish community.
Japan
Japan condemned rocket launches and cross-border attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
Kenya
Kenya repudiated the attack and called for a peaceful resolution while acknowledging Israel’s right to retaliate.
