Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada
"Horrific scenes out of Israel over the last 24 hours as civilians shelter from a barrage of terrorist escalation. Attacks on the State of Israel are attacks on us all and must be immediately condemned by international leaders. I pray for the safety of everyone in the region".
Video Explainer of the Situation
Here is a quick synopsis of what world leaders are saying about the Hamas attack on Israel over the last 48 hours. What we want to see are resolute statements in support of Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas and terrorists who are operating internally. This list will be updated continuously.
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Updated: May 13, 2021
Joe Biden, President of the United States
I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu not too long ago. My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Rocket attacks against Israel are completely unacceptable and Canada supports Israel's right to assure its own security.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs
The indiscriminate barrage of rocket attacks fired by Hamas into populated areas of Israel is absolutely unacceptable and must cease immediately. Canada supports Israel's right to live in peace with its neighbours within secure boundaries and recognizes Israel's right to assure its own security.
Erin O'Toole, Leader of the Official Opposition, Canada
Canada’s Conservatives strongly condemn the frightening campaign of rocket attacks by Hamas. These terrorist attacks are indiscriminately targeting civilians and have already taken innocent lives. They must end immediately.
Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel
We will continue to fight the terrorists and protect our citizens without compromise. We will not stand by while the the attacks on us continue unabated.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
A short while ago, we targeted senior Hamas general staff commanders including the Gaza City Brigade commander and others. This was only the beginning. We will inflict blows on them that they have never dreamed of.
Susanne Wasum-Rainer - German Ambassador to Israel
I strongly condemn the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza. Attacks on Israeli civilians are not justifiable under any circumstance. We fully respect Israel‘s right to protect its citizens. Israel has the right to act in self-defense. My thoughts are with those killed or hurt.
Heiko Mass - German Foreign Minister
"Rocket fire on Israeli civilians is not justifiable under any circumstances - and certainly no contribution to resolving the conflict, but a senseless new escalation of violence. All sides have a duty to prevent further civilian casualties."
Sebastian Kurz, Chancellor of Austria
The missile attacks on #Israel I condemn in the strongest possible terms from the Gaza Strip. Israel has the right to defend itself against it. I hope that there will be de-escalation and that these attacks will be stopped with immediate effect.
Anthony Blinken - U.S. Secretary of State
I spoke with Israeli PM today about the ongoing situation in Israel including rocket fire emanating from the Gaza Strip targeting Israeli civilians. Israel has the right to defend itself. Palestinians need to be able to live in safety and security. It’s vital now to deescalate.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson - United Kingdom
I am urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint. The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties and we want to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
I condemn the escalating and indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas against Israel. Israel has the right to defend herself against this assault, which is designed to sow terror and undermine prospects for peace. Every civilian death is a tragedy that we mourn. Hamas' accelerating violence only risks killing more civilians, including innocent Palestinians.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)
These rocket attacks confirm once again that there is no moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas. Hamas seeks in no uncertain terms to destroy Israel and murder its people. They are a terrorist organization." He said that Hamas "will sink to the lowest levels of inhumanity to promote violence, including attacking Israeli civilians and civilian targets and using Palestinian women and children as human shields.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
Spoke Tuesday with Israeli National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat. He condemned the ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He conveyed the President's unwavering support for Israel's security and for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians. (White House)
Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Austin spoke Wednesday with Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz. Secretary Austin conveyed the Department's ironclad support for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and its people, and he strongly condemned the launching of rockets by Hamas and other terrorists groups that targeted Israeli civilians. (U.S. Defense Department)
Nikki Haley, Former US Ambassador to the UN
(in reply to Ilhan Omar): No, an act of terrorism is Hamas firing rockets into Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. If a terrorist organization was shooting rockets into DC, I doubt you would have the same response. Israel has the right to defend itself.
Remarks by Various U.S. Lawmakers
"The barrage of rocket attacks from Hamas is terrorism and no country should have to tolerate this kind of threat against its population," wrote Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "When our friends are under attack, we stand with them," wrote Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.). "Equating massive Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens to Israeli efforts to target Hamas militants (with prior civilian warning) is reckless and irresponsible," said Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah). House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) tweeted: "Hamas' attacks into Israel are terrorism, plain and simple." Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) tweeted: "My heart is with the Israeli people as they shelter from rockets fired by terrorists in the Gaza Strip." (JNS)
** Adding continuously. Please keep checking and sign up for alerts at www.avibenlolo.org
Avi Abraham Benlolo, BA MA, Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa)
Order of Vaughan, Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, Race Relations Award
ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities, was founding President and CEO of a major organization in the Jewish community, has raised over $150 million for charities and is a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.