The U.S. and the four most powerful countries in Europe released a joint statement on Monday afternoon expressing strong support for Israel and its war against those responsible for the recent terror attacks in the country.
The statement was released from President Joe Biden, President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom.
“We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned,” the statement said.
“There is never any justification for terrorism. In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages.”
Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic terrorist organization, launched thousands of rockets into Israel early Saturday morning and simultaneously overran Israel’s border defenses as they proceeded to massacre soldiers who were caught off guard. The terrorists then massacred hundreds at an outdoor festival and hunted Jews door to door in scenes reminiscent of what the Nazis did during the Holocaust.
All told, more than 900 Israelis were murdered, a figure that is expected to continue rising, and more than 2,600 were injured. Dozens more were kidnapped by the terrorists and brought back to Gaza.
The statement said that the countries would support Israel’s military efforts to defend itself from further attacks.
“We further emphasize that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage,” the statement continued.
The leaders then claimed the there were “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and that they supported “equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
“But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed,” the said. “Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies, and as common friends of Israel, to ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.”