By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) – The EU on Saturday strongly condemned the recent attacks by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Israel and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
Expressing deep concern over the unfolding events in Israel, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement: "We are deeply troubled by the developments in #Israel. We wholeheartedly denounce the actions carried out by Hamas."
Borrell emphasized the urgent need for an immediate halt to the ongoing violence, stressing that terrorism and violence are no solutions to conflicts.
He also affirmed the EU's unwavering solidarity with Israel during these challenging times.
At least 20 Israelis were killed and over 540 others injured since Friday morning in rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.
EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen also said on X: "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel. It is terrorism in its most despicable form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is "shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens."
"Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We're in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice," he added.
British foreign minister also joined the condemnations, saying: "The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself."
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also condemned the attacks from Gaza, saying Israel "has our full solidarity."
France also reiterated its full support for Israel, with the Foreign Ministry condemning “in the strongest possible terms the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel and its population.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concerns over the unfolding situation in Israel and Gaza.
“I am shocked and appalled at reports this morning that hundreds, possibly thousands, of indiscriminate rockets have been fired by Palestinian armed groups towards Israel, and that at least 22 Israelis have been killed and hundreds injured.”
- Rocket attacks, clashes
The Israeli army has declared a “state of readiness” for war after Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip fired an intense barrage of rockets early Saturday toward Israel, according to the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, announced starting an operation with rockets targeting enemy sites, airports, and military installations.
The Israeli Radio reported that a number of Palestinian gunmen sneaked into Israeli areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip.
Israel deployed its forces to deal with the Palestinian gunmen's infiltration from Gaza, the Army Radio added.
Dozens of Israeli warplanes hit 21 Hamas sites in Gaza, the Israeli army claimed in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Al-Quds Brigades claimed it captured a number of Israeli soldiers in Gaza.