Islamic Republic's Support for Hamas; US, Europe, Canada, and Japan Condemn Attack on Israel

As the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Japan condemned Hamas's "unjustified attacks" on Israeli civilians, the Islamic Republic expressed support for the group it backs. Israel claims that at least 200 civilians in the country have been killed in Hamas's attacks. On Saturday, October 7, President Joe Biden stated, "The United States unequivocally condemns this horrific attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists." He added, "I told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly that we are ready to provide all appropriate supportive tools to the government and people of Israel." Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the U.S. commitment to Israel's right to self-defense remains unwavering. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims of Hamas's terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians, stating that the U.S. will ensure Israel has access to the necessary equipment to defend itself against violence and terrorism in the coming days. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also strongly condemned the "horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israel," expressing support for the Israeli government and people and condolences to the families of the deceased. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, stated, "There is never any justification for terrorism." She added, "We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and express our condolences for the loss of Israeli lives in these attacks." According to Watson, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, spoke with his Israeli counterpart, and officials from both countries remain in close contact. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are among world leaders who have expressed condolences to the victims and people of Israel while condemning Hamas's terrorist attacks on Israel. In this context, James Cleverly described Hamas as a terrorist group on social media, stating, "There are no other words to describe the savage rocket fire or terrorist attacks targeting civilians." This militia group, supported militarily and financially by the Islamic Republic, is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and several other countries. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that his country strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel and fully supports Israel's right to defend itself. He emphasized that civilians must be protected. Japan's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the "rocket launches and cross-border attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups against Israeli territory." On the other hand, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed concern over the severe deterioration of the situation in the region, calling for an immediate ceasefire from both Palestinian and Israeli sides. The Islamic Republic supported Hamas's terrorist operations against Israel on Saturday. Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry, referred to Hamas's attacks on Israel as "the continuation of victories... in Lebanon and Syria." Yahya Safavi, a senior advisor to the leader of the Islamic Republic, congratulated the Palestinian militants' operations against Israel and its citizens, stating that the Islamic Republic will remain alongside the Palestinian fighters "until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem." Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the leader of the Islamic Republic, claimed that the attacks by Palestinian militants were a "great and strategic victory," describing it as a "serious warning to all collaborators in the region." Additionally, "Noor News," a media outlet close to the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, referred to the Hamas militants' attack on Israel as a "clear message" to those "thinking of normalizing relations" with Israel. Such threatening statements allude to the prospect of a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, mediated by the U.S., which has gained clearer prospects in recent weeks. The White House has stated that there is currently a "basic framework" for such an agreement. This process has led to criticism from the leader of the Islamic Republic and his supporters towards Riyadh. The Lebanese group Hezbollah, also supported by the Islamic Republic, expressed support for Hamas's operations against Israel. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government spokesperson justified Hamas's attacks on Israeli citizens as a "natural result of decades of occupation." Qatar's Foreign Ministry also held Israel solely responsible for Hamas's attacks on Israeli citizens. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, expressed concern over the escalation of violence, holding Israel accountable for what it termed "open attacks." Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry called for an immediate halt to violence between "some Palestinian groups and Israeli occupying forces." The United Arab Emirates' Foreign Ministry also called for an immediate cessation of violence and maximum restraint. Oman similarly called for an immediate end to the violence. The Islamist group Hamas carried out its largest attack in recent years against Israel on Saturday, October 7. Cities and villages in southern and central Israel were targeted by hundreds of Hamas rocket attacks, and militants from this Iran-backed group entered areas in southern Israel. As of the time of this report, news agencies reported at least 70 Israeli citizens killed and 700 others injured. Images and videos circulated on social media show Hamas militants attacking civilians after entering areas in southern Israel. Some reports indicate that dozens of Israeli citizens have been taken hostage by the militants of this group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in an emergency government meeting that Israel is "at war." Netanyahu emphasized that his priority is to eliminate "enemy forces" in southern Israel and restore security and calm to the region. He stated that Israel's second goal is to impose a "heavy cost" on the Palestinian groups in Gaza. According to Netanyahu, his third objective is to strengthen all fronts to prevent others from potentially joining this war. The Prime Minister urged the citizens of his country to remain calm and to unite and speak with one voice to achieve victory in this war. The Israeli Defense Ministry announced the start of Operation "Iron Swords" in response to Hamas's attacks against Israel, stating that extensive attacks against the group's positions in Gaza are underway. Yoav Galant, Israel's Defense Minister, stated that Hamas made a grave mistake by attacking Israel, and Israeli soldiers will fight the enemy anywhere. The Hebrew-speaking account of the Israeli army on social media highlighted more than 2,200 rocket attacks by Hamas on the country's cities, releasing images of airstrikes on 17 military sites and four operational bases in Gaza.