War in Israel// World leaders react to tensions in the Middle East
Following the surprise attack by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel, world leaders reacted in different ways. While some states strongly condemned Hamas, others called for an end to the violence. Meanwhile, more than 700 people have been killed in Israel since the rebellion began, including 260 at a music festival. More than 400 others died in Gaza in an Israeli response. According to CNN, the Israeli Air Force says it struck more than 500 "terrorist" targets in Gaza overnight.
United States: President Joe Biden says his country's support for Israel is "solid and unwavering." The US has deployed ships and aircraft to the region and said it would send additional ammunition to Israel.
The US military is deploying warships and warplanes to "strengthen regional deterrence efforts" amid the ongoing fighting in Israel, a Pentagon statement said.
UK: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged "constant support" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We will do everything we can to help. Terrorism will not prevail," he said.
No UN reaction: The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday - but no action was taken afterwards. The deputy US ambassador to the UN said "not all" member nations condemned the Hamas attacks, but did not specify which. All 15 members must unanimously vote on a declaration, writes CNN.
The European Union "We unequivocally condemn the attack committed by Hamas against Israel. This violence represents no political solution, no act of courage. It is pure terrorism, and Israel has the right to defend itself", said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Iran: President Ebrahim Raisi said Iran supports the Palestinians' right to self-defense and warned that Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region over the years. Hamas is supported by Iran.
Lebanon: Hezbollah, a heavily armed group also backed by Iran, exchanged artillery and missiles with Israel on Sunday. This raised fears of a wider conflict between Israel and rival states.
China: Beijing called on both sides to "exercise restraint" and "cease fire immediately". State media reiterated the "two-state solution," which includes the establishment of an independent state of Palestine.
Russia: The Foreign Ministry called for an "immediate ceasefire" and negotiations for a "comprehensive, lasting and long-awaited peace". The country did not condemn the actions of the Hamas group.
We remind that on October 8, the Security Cabinet declared that Israel was officially in a state of war and could undertake "significant military activities". It comes after Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of people. The Israeli prime minister warned that "a long and difficult war" is ahead.
In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration announced on October 8 that the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Israel is operating on alert, in connection with the deterioration of the security situation in Israel. Therefore, a crisis cell was created, which monitors the security situation in Israel and is in permanent contact with the Embassy of our country and other responsible institutions.
