Hungary, Spain, Greece, Greece, the Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand and New Zealand sent messages of support to Israel, which declared war for the first time in 50 years following the Aqsa Flood operation launched by Hamas on the morning of October 7. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed his support for Israel and its people, while Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said, “There is no doubt that we are talking about acts of terrorism” regarding the attacks launched by Hamas.
On the morning of October 7, the Israeli army responded to the Aqsa Flood operation launched by Hamas and bombarded Gaza. For the first time in 50 years, clashes between Israel and Hamas, which declared war for the first time in 50 years, continue, while the loss of life is increasing every hour.
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL ARE POURING IN
Israel, which lost 700 citizens in Hamas attacks, continues to receive messages of support from many countries. In their statements, 7 countries, including Spain and Greece, reiterated their support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
“WE CONDEMN THIS TERRIBLE TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE STRONGEST TERMS”
In a post on his social media account, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said, “Hungary condemns this terrible terrorist attack in the strongest terms and recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense. We offer our sincere condolences to the Israeli government and people for their loss.” Stating that he also had a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen, Szijjarto conveyed his condolences to the family and expressed Hungary’s support. Szijjarto warned that these attacks could have “strong consequences”.
“THEY CALLED FOR AN IMMEDIATE HALT TO THE ATTACKS”
“We strongly condemn the attacks launched on Israel from Gaza on October 7 and call for an immediate cessation of these attacks,” the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The statement expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
“WE RECOGNIZE ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said in a written statement, “We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel.” Stating that hostage-taking and targeting civilians is against the principles of international law, Hipkins said, “New Zealand considers the military wing of Hamas a terrorist organization and recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense.”
“MANY IN THE NETHERLANDS, ESPECIALLY JEWS, ARE CONCERNED”
Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the interim government of the Netherlands, shared on his social media account that they support Israel’s call on Hamas to “stop the attack”. Noting that Israel has the right to defend itself, Rutte called for the release of hostages. Stating that they will meet with the National Security Council, Rutte said, “Many people in the Netherlands, especially Jews, are worried. The government will be more vigilant about their safety. During the week, a delegation from the government will meet with those responsible for the Jewish community living in the country.”
“WE FULLY SUPPORT ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE”
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, in a statement on the X social media platform, gave a message of full support to Israel and its people. Expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, Dendias said: “The protection of civilians, wherever they are, is a priority for the international community and for our country.”
“FIRING AT CIVILIANS IS AN ACT OF TERRORISM”
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said in a statement regarding the attacks launched by Hamas: “Without a doubt, we are talking about acts of terrorism. Firing indiscriminately at civilians and detaining many people against their will is an act of terrorism.”
“WE FEAR FOR THE LIVES OF ALL FOREIGNERS IN THE COUNTRY”
In a written statement, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin condemned the Hamas attacks and expressed concern for the lives of all foreigners in the country. The statement also called for restraint on all sides.
