In response to the recent Hamas attack on Israel, several countries around the world have expressed their views. Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, commented on the situation, stating, “The outbreak of renewed violence in Israel-Palestine is regrettable. Why don’t the two sides implement the two States’ Solution?” He also condemned the practice of targeting civilians by both sides.
The United States condemned the attack by Hamas, with a White House statement saying, “The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians.” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan maintained close contact with Israeli officials and expressed condolences for Israeli lives lost.
Iran, on the other hand, had a different perspective. A senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed support for the attack, calling it a “proud operation” and backing Palestinian militants “until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.”
Saudi Arabia urged an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and practicing self-control. They also expressed concerns about the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, called for an immediate stop to the violence and appealed to all sides to de-escalate to prevent further bloodshed. He expressed deep concern over reports of Israeli civilians being taken hostage.
EU leaders were united in their condemnation of the Hamas attack. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stated, “I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell added that the violence must stop immediately and expressed solidarity with Israel.
Russia called for an “immediate ceasefire” and urged both Palestinian and Israeli sides to renounce violence and establish a negotiation process for lasting peace. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky supported Israel’s right to defend itself and condemned terrorism as a crime against humanity.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Israel and Palestinians to avoid further escalation and act reasonably to reduce tensions. France expressed full solidarity with Israel and condemned terrorism, as did Germany and the UK. India stood in solidarity with Israel, and Yemen’s Huthi rebels expressed support for the Hamas operation, considering it a battle of dignity and defense against Israel.