Hamas’ massive attack on Israel has sparked horror across much of the world. US President Biden warned Israel’s enemies to now take advantage of the situation. Foreign Minister Baerbock spoke of a turning point and there was a risk of regional escalation.
Government and heads of state around the world have positioned themselves after Hamas’ massive attacks on Israel. US President Joe Biden assured the State of Israel of the support of the United States. “Israel has a right to defend itself and its people,” Biden said in Washington after a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The United States warns all other groups hostile to Israel to seek to capitalize on this situation,” Biden said, according to the White House statement. “And my government’s support of Israel’s security is rock-solid and steadfast.” The United States stands ready to offer Israel “all appropriate means of support.”
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and a spokeswoman for the US National Security Council had previously expressed similar support. “The United States fully condemns the unprovoked attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists,” said Adrienne Watson.
Baerbock warns of “major regional escalation”
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also warned other actors against joining Hamas’ terror. “This day is a turning point, an unprecedented act of escalation by Hamas,” said the Green politician. “As a result of these terrorist attacks, there is now an incalculable risk of a major regional escalation.”
Hamas has brought terror to Israel to an unknown extent, said Baerbock. “Nothing justifies indiscriminate rocket fire, commando attacks on peaceful civilians, the brutal kidnapping of innocent people.” The hostage-taking by Hamas is “abhorrent and violates international humanitarian law.”
The Foreign Office strongly advises against traveling to Israel
The federal government’s crisis team met at the Foreign Office, Baerbock continued. At this time, we strongly advise against traveling to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Baerbock called on all German nationals on site to sign up for the crisis list. “Hamas’ terror must stop immediately,” demanded Baerbock.
The federal government stands in solidarity with Israel. Israel has the right under international law to defend itself. The escalation of violence by Hamas shows once again that only a political solution can bring the people of Israel and the Palestinian people a life of peace and dignity.
“Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands by Israel,” wrote Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the online platform X, formerly Twitter. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also assured Israeli President Izchak Herzog of solidarity during a telephone call.
Protection of Jewish institutions strengthened
According to the Central Council of Jews, security staff at Jewish institutions in Germany will also be increased in light of the Hamas attacks. “With regard to the terrorist attack on Israel and the security situation for Jewish institutions in Germany, we are in intensive contact with the security authorities,” the Central Council announced on the Instagram platform. “Police measures in front of Jewish institutions will be increased nationwide. This is a response to the abstractly high level of danger.”
end of Combat operations required
The UN called for an immediate end to the violence. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement he was “horrified” by Hamas’ attacks and kidnappings of Israelis. He called for restraint and the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. At the same time, he called for an end to the violence. Peace can only be achieved through a negotiated two-state solution.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on Israel to “take all precautionary measures to avoid civilian casualties” in its retaliatory strikes in Gaza, according to a statement. According to diplomats, Malta called for a special session of the UN Security Council.
NATO pointed out Israel’s right to defend itself. “Terrorism is a fundamental threat to free societies,” a spokesman for the defense alliance wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected.”
Arab world divided
There were mixed reactions from Arab countries to the escalation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia also called for an “immediate end to violence between Israelis and Palestinians” in a statement from the Foreign Ministry. The hostile states of Israel and Saudi Arabia recently came closer together under US mediation.
From the perspective of the Gulf emirate of Qatar, Israel alone is responsible for the escalation of violence in the dispute with the Palestinians. Qatar calls on both sides to exercise moderation, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Iran congratulates Palestinians
Iran welcomed the Palestinian attacks. “We congratulate the Palestinian fighters,” Rahim Safawi, an adviser to Iran’s spiritual and state leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told the semi-state news agency Insa. He spoke of a “proud effort.” Iran will stand by them until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.
The pro-Iranian radical Islamic group Hezbollah in Lebanon also congratulated Hamas on its “heroic, large-scale” and “victorious” operation against Israel. It maintains good relations with the radical Islamic Hamas. The attack was a “firm response to Israel’s ongoing occupation and a message to those who seek normalization with Israel,” Hezbollah said in a statement. She is in “direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance.” Hezbollah has itself fought several wars against Israel.