Germany, US, UK, France, and Italy Pledge Solidarity with Israel, Condemn Hamas' Terrorism
In a joint display of unwavering support, leaders from Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy issued a statement late on Monday, pledging solidarity with Israel and unequivocally condemning the recent attacks by Hamas.
The leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, came together to express their "steadfast and united support" for Israel following the weekend's attacks by Hamas, an extremist Palestinian group. The leaders affirmed their commitment to ensuring Israel's ability to defend itself and its citizens against such heinous attacks.
Chancellor Scholz took to social media to announce the joint statement and shared the commitment of the five nations to stand firmly with Israel. The leaders engaged in a phone conversation, with President Macron already in Hamburg for bilateral talks with Chancellor Scholz.
Präsident Macron und ich haben mit Präsident Biden, Premier Sunak und Premierministerin Meloni telefoniert und unsere Unterstützung für Israel bekräftigt.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) October 9, 2023
Unsere 5 Länder werden sicherstellen, dass Israel sich und seine Bürger gegen die abscheulichen Angriffe verteidigen kann. pic.twitter.com/M54eMv5fiD
The joint statement issued by the five countries read as follows:
"All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed."
In addition to expressing their unwavering support for Israel, the leaders' statement seemed to carry a veiled warning to regional powers, notably Iran, against furthering unrest or conflict. The statement emphasized:
"We further emphasize that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek an advantage."
The leaders went on to underscore that "the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned."
Meanwhile, the Pentagon issued a statement indicating that US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Brown Jr. held discussions with the Chief of the Israeli General Staff, Herzi Halevi. Their conversation revolved around Hamas's recent attack and explored potential steps to enhance the US military presence and posture in the region, underlining the seriousness with which the United States views the situation.
This joint show of support from Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy underscores their commitment to regional stability and the preservation of peace in the Middle East while sending a clear message that acts of terrorism will not be tolerated.
