CNNreported that Netanyahu said in a video statement that the Palestinian militant group “launched a murderous surprise attack against the state of Israel and its citizens” that killed at least 200 Israelis and injured hundreds more.
According to the outlet, the Israeli military said the nation was attacked on land, sea and air via paragliders, in addition to approximately 2,200 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip that were heard over Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and in southern Israel.
Burnt out vehicles in Ashkelon are pictured following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into Israel.AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty
AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty
The news network also reported that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Hamas took “hostages and prisoners of war.” IDF spokesman Lt. Colonel Richard Hecht added in a briefing that national military soldiers “are fighting on the ground as we speak.”
In response, the Palestinian health ministry said Israel launched a counterattack in which they killed 232 Palestinians and injured 1,697, CNN reports.
Fire and smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.AP Photo/Fatima Shbair
AP Photo/Fatima Shbair
Biden, 80, issued astatementon Saturday explaining his stance on the matter after recently speaking with Prime Minister Netanyahu “about the horrific and ongoing attacks in Israel.”
He continued, “Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”
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“My team and I are tracking this situation closely, and I will remain in close touch with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” the statement concluded.
ABIR SULTAN / POOL / AFP; Hector Vivas/Getty
Israel and Palestine have been fighting for the right to claim Jerusalem as their capital for decades. Although Israel governs Jerusalem, Palestinians want control of East Jerusalem, which consists of the West Bank and Gaza, where several Palestinians now reside following their displacement as a result of 20th-century Arab-Israeli conflicts that began around the formation of Israel.
The international community, including the U.S. and the U.N., strive for the warring nations to agree on a possible two-state solution and achieve peace.
source: people.com
