President Joe Biden recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to offer support after a deadly attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. In a statement, Biden stated, “I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people.”

Netanyahu declared that Israel is “at war” following the surprise attack, which resulted in numerous casualties. Israel’s emergency services reported about 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries. In response, Israel launched a counterattack on Gaza, resulting in approximately 200 Palestinian casualties.

Biden emphasized that his administration’s support for Israel is unwavering and that he will maintain close communication with Netanyahu as the situation unfolds.

In addition to Biden, other world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, expressed full support for Israel’s right to defend itself. The Council of the European Union also released a statement backing Israel’s actions and advocating for lasting peace in the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Israel. In a social media post, Blinken wrote, “We unequivocally condemn the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.”