Hamas initiated a surprise conflict with Israel on Saturday morning, causing significant security concerns, particularly among neighboring Arab countries. In the midst of these heightened tensions resulting from Hamas's extensive attacks within Israeli territories, including infiltrations from the Gaza Strip, injuries to Israeli civilians, and rocket strikes on Gaza's surrounding villages, both Egypt and Turkey conveyed a message of concern regarding the security escalation. However, they stopped short of outright condemning Hamas's actions against Israeli citizens.
Egypt, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement carried by the state news agency, warning of "serious consequences" from further escalation. The ministry urged all parties to "exercise maximum restraint and avoid exposing citizens to additional danger." Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all involved parties to "act with restraint" and cautioned against impulsive actions that could worsen the situation.
IDF soldiers at the ready. The beginning of the end of Hamas has begun. pic.twitter.com/JQ2t4SCQrU
ā The Mossad: Satirical, Yet Awesome (@TheMossadIL) October 7, 2023
Notably, the Saudi Foreign Ministry initially called for an "immediate cessation of violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians," expressing concern about the unprecedented developments between various Palestinian factions and Israeli forces. However, as the conflict continued, Saudi Arabia shifted its stance, condemning Israel due to the occupation and denial of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, as well as provocations at holy sites.
Despite a relatively subdued response from Arab nations to Hamas's unprovoked attack, European governments swiftly reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense. Italy and Great Britain were particularly resolute in their statements. Giorgia Meloni's government in Italy expressed strong support for Israel's right to defend itself in the face of what it deemed a "brutal attack." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani further condemned the attacks on Israel, emphasizing the threat to human lives, regional stability, and the broader political process, urging Hamas to cease its violent actions.
British Foreign Minister James Cleverly condemned the "horrifying attacks" by Hamas on Israeli civilians and affirmed that London would always back Israel's right to self-defense. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed this sentiment, strongly condemning the terrorist attacks from Gaza against Israel and asserting that Israel had their full sympathy. She emphasized that under international law, Israel had the right to defend itself against terrorism.
#Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh calls for more violence from his posh villa in #Qatar
ā Zechariah Shar'abi | ×××Ø×× | Ų²ŁŲ±ŁŲ§ (@ZechariahSharab) October 8, 2023
He is a billionaire living a life of luxury while making profits off aid money originally intended to feed the poor in #Gaza#Israel_under_attackpic.twitter.com/lkpqBHtgwo
The French Embassy in Tel Aviv also issued a strong condemnation: "We are horrified by the developments in the south of the country. These terrorist attacks are unacceptable, and everyone must condemn them. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and the Israelis." Later, President Emmanuel Macron also published his own statement, in which it was written that he "strongly condemns the terrorist attack currently underway against Israel, and expresses full sympathy with the victims and their families. Spain said that it was shocked by the "indiscriminate violence" in the attack by Hamas.
