In a joint statement released on Monday, US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, France President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vowed to support Israel unwaveringly and in collaboration while strongly condemning Hamas for its heinous acts of terrorism.

 The official statement

The White House released a statement that 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.  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.”

“Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities. We further emphasise that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage,” highlighted the statement.

The statement acknowledged that leaders ““recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” but said Hamas “offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.”

“Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies, and as common friends of Israel, to ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region,” claimed the statement.

“We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned,” declared the leaders.

US and UK’s extended support

In reaction to the strike by Hamas, American navy vessels, including an aircraft carrier, are approaching the eastern Mediterranean. However, the US declared that following attacks on Israel, it would not send troops on the ground. Following an urgent Cobra conference, UK PM Sunak promised to offer diplomatic, intelligence, or security assistance to Israel upon request.

The joint statement was made in response to the Palestinian militant group's unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza on Saturday, to which Israel responded with airstrikes and a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip.

With more than 900 fatalities in Israel and more than 650 fatalities in Gaza, the 2023 Israel-Hamas battle has claimed more than 1,600 lives. Over 130 Israelis and residents of other countries are now being held captive by the terrorist organisations Palestinian Jihad and Hamas.