Hamas, the Palestinian group responsible for the surprise attack on Israel, on Sunday, claimed that it received praise from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi's conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, as reported by Iran's state-run IRNA news, involved a discussion of the ongoing situation in the occupied lands. Although specific details of the call were not disclosed, President Raisi later affirmed Iran's support for the Palestinian nation's legitimate defense.
In a statement, Raisi stated that Iran "supports the Palestinian nation's legitimate defense," and that Israel and its allies "bear responsibility for endangering the security of the nations of the region", as reported by CNN.
Hamas leader Haniyeh expressed his appreciation for Iran's position, according to a statement released by Hamas, CNN reported.
The Iran-Israel relationship has long been marked by proxy conflicts, with Iran-backed groups often engaged in hostilities with Israeli forces. The US administration, however, has yet to confirm Iran's direct involvement in the recent attacks but asserts that Hamas is financed, equipped, and armed by Iran.
Türkiye's Erdogan Calls For Palestinian Statehood
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has weighed in on the matter, emphasising the need for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Mor Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church in Istanbul, President Erdogan underscored that lasting peace in the Middle East hinges on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Anadolu news agency reported. “Lasting peace in the Middle East is only possible through a final settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” he was quoted as saying.
He expressed Türkiye's readiness to contribute to de-escalating tensions and resolving the crisis diplomatically.
It's worth noting that Türkiye has been working towards improving its relations with Israel after years of strained ties, mainly due to differences over Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
Bangladesh Expresses Support For Two-State Solution
Bangladesh has strongly denounced the ongoing armed conflict in Israel expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and injuries on both sides. The country in an official statement emphasised that escalation benefits no party and implored Israel and Palestinians to exercise maximum restraint, urging an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
The country maintained that living under Israeli occupation and forced settlements would not bring peace to the region and reiterated its support for a two-state solution, advocating for Palestine and Israel to coexist as independent states.
"Bangladesh holds that living under the Israeli occupation and forced settlements in Palestinian territory will not bring peace in the region. Therefore, Bangladesh supports a two-state solution, Palestine and Israel, living side by side as independent states free of occupation following UN Resolutions No. 242 and 338, which could bring lasting peace and stability in the region," the statement read.
The nation urged all parties to avoid excessive and indiscriminate use of force, emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy are the keys to a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Zelenskyy Speaks To Netanyahu, Says Ukraine Stands by Israel
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his country's support for Israel during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Zelenskyy expressed solidarity with Israel in the wake of a significant assault by the Palestinian Hamas group.
"I spoke with Netanyahu to affirm Ukraine's solidarity with Israel, which suffers from a brazen large-scale attack, and to express condolences for the multiple victims. The Prime Minister informed me of the current situation and the actions of Israel's Defence Forces and law enforcement to repel the attack," Zelenskyy said on social media.
"We also discussed the attack's ramifications for the security situation in the region and beyond," he added.
He offered condolences for the loss of life and discussed Israel's defense efforts to repel the attack. Diplomats from Ukraine are collaborating with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens in Israel, as per news agency AFP. Two Ukrainian women were reported to have lost their lives in the conflict, AFP reported.
Poland To Evacuate Citizens from Israel
Poland has taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens in Israel. Poland's President Andrzej Duda in a post on X announced that the country will deploy air force transport planes for the evacuation of its citizens. Special forces will provide loading protection and safety during the evacuation. He expressed the nation's commitment to ensuring the safe return of all compatriots from Israel.
As the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to evolve, international responses underscore the complexity of the situation and the diverse perspectives held by nations worldwide.