The White House on Tuesday released a joint statement with France, Germany, Italy, and the UK condemning the attacks by Hamas on Israel saying that the actions of the militant group have no justification and no legitimacy. Following the surprise attacks on southern and central Israel on Saturday, Hamas’ military wing — the Qassam Brigades — issued a dire warning on Monday declaring its intention to execute Israeli hostages in response to what it claims are indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes on civilian areas in the Gaza Strip.
“Today, we — President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States — express our steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism,” the White House joint statement read.
“We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism,” it added.
“In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages,” the statement read further.
Responding to the threat by Qassam Brigade, Israel's Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen urged the Palestinian outfit to refrain from harming the Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza.
"We will defeat terror. We have no other choice. We demand Hamas not to harm any of the hostages. Their safety is their responsibility. This war crime will not be forgiven," Cohen said.
So far, a staggering death toll of 1,400 hsa been recorded which includes both Israelis and Palestinians.