Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared early Saturday that the U.S. ally was “at war” as sirens rang out in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the Israel Defense Forces responded by striking Hamas targets in neighboring Gaza. Israel says at least 22 people have died.
IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that more than 2,200 rockets have been fired into Israel, the Times of Israel reported. Hagari said the Hamas militants infiltrated from land, sea and air.
The invasion revived memories of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war practically 50 years to the day, which culminated in the Camp David Accords.
National Security adviser Jake Sullivan has spoken with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, the U.S. statement added, “and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners.”
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) posted on social media: “Our strongest ally in the Middle East is under attack. Make no mistake: Israeli civilians are being slaughtered by Hamas terrorists. We condemn these attacks, stand with our dear ally, Israel, and support its right to defend itself in this war.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement: “Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists launched a literal war against Israel last night. 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.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said: “Israelis are dying today at the hands of Iran-backed terrorists. Every American ally & partner must swiftly condemn this invasion & acts of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks.”
Volker Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, said he was “shocked and appalled” by the attack and reports of Hamas’ hostage taking of Israeli citizens, and called for an immediate halt to the violence.
European leaders condemned the attack and proclaimed Israel’s right to defend itself.
French President Emanuel Macron condemned the attacks and expressed “solidarité” with Israeli victims and their families.
“It is terrorism in its most despicable form,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
