How world leaders are responding to a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas militants

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel early Saturday, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized as an act of war.

“Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war,” Netanyahu said in a statement Saturday, noting that Israeli leaders are working to clear out hostile forces and “exact an immense price from the enemy.”

“We are at war. In war, one needs to be level-headed. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite in order to achieve our highest goal — victory in the war,” Netanyahu said.

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• Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza Strip stuns Israel and leaves dozens dead in fighting, retaliation

So far, Hamas militants have “fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip,” according to The Associated Press. They’re also reportedly holding some Israeli soldiers and civilians captive.

Mohammad Deif, who leads Hamas’ military wing, has said Saturday’s surprise attack on Israel is only the beginning of what’s planned.

“(Deif) said the assault was in response to the continued blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at Al Aqsa — the disputed Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount — increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians and continued growth of settlements,” AP reported.

On X, the site formerly known as Twitter, President Joe Biden described the Hamas militants’ actions as “appalling.”

“Today, I spoke with (Netanyahu) about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” Biden said, noting that he and Jill Biden are expressing their “heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.”

Republican Sen. Mike Lee wrote on X about the attacks, saying, “Hamas terrorists have killed a hundred innocent Israeli civilians, wounded hundreds more, and taken dozens of hostages. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people, and my prayers are with the families suffering from these unprovoked attacks.”

In a separate post from his personal X account, @BasedMikeLee, Lee criticized Biden for enabling Iran to access previously frozen funds as part of a prisoner exchange last month.

That “ransom money” provided “material support” to Hamas, Lee argued, echoing similar concerns raised by other Republicans on Saturday.

Sen. Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah, also took to X to condemn the attack on Israel.

“Horrific attacks on Israelis by Iran-backed Hamas. Vile, inhumane brutality once again descends on a peaceful nation. We stand wholeheartedly with Israel and support its right to defend itself,” Romney said.

Here’s how other political leaders have reacted to the growing conflict in Israel:

U.S. leaders on Israel attacks

• “The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with those government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in a statement.

• “America stands with Israel. The vicious attack on our most sacred ally by Hamas terrorists cannot stand. The Israeli people have our unwavering support and the Israeli government has every right to defend its citizens against this act of war,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry, who is speaker pro tempore of the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Former president Donald Trump released a statement on his 2024 campaign site, “These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force. Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden Administration. We brought so much peace to the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, only to see Biden whittle it away at a far more rapid pace than anyone thought possible. Here we go again.”

• “The terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel are absolutely horrific. The U.S. stands with Israel in its unwavering right to defend itself. I stand ready to ensure Israel has the support to do so. My prayers are with the dead, reported hostages, and hundreds injured,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.

• “Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists launched a literal war against Israel tonight. Our Israeli allies will now do what they must to defend themselves and I stand with them as they confront this violence and these atrocities. The United States must continue to support Israel’s absolute right to self-defense and ensure it has the military resources and diplomatic support it needs to confront the genocidal Iran-controlled terrorists who seek Israel’s destruction,” Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said on X.

• “I condemn in the strongest terms Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the barbaric tactics they are employing. Israel has the unequivocal right to defend itself and its people. America stands with Israel,” Utah Rep. John Curtis said on X.

• “Unfortunately, another consequence of Biden’s bumbling, anti-American policies. Our friends suffer. Please pray for Israel,” Utah Rep. Burgess Owens wrote on X.

• “I was saddened to wake up to news of Hamas’ attack on the State of Israel, prompting a state of war to be declared. I fully support Israel and their right to defend themselves, and I pray this conflict ends swiftly,” Utah Rep. Blake Moore wrote on X.

Other Utah leaders on Israel attacks

• “Utah has a long-standing relationship with Israel, and we will stand by our ally as they face the aftermath of an unjust attack on their country and people. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this act of terrorism. Israel, and its people, will be in our prayers,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on X.

• “These are horrible developments with dire consequences. Our hearts and support are with the state of Israel and our friends in Utah’s Jewish communities,” said Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson on X.

World leaders on Israel attacks

• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X, “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.”