White House condemns ‘unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists’ on Israel

The White House released a terse condemnation of the early-morning attack on Israel by Hamas on Saturday.

Shortly after Hamas, the militant group ruling the Gaza Strip, launched thousands of rockets at Israel, killing at least 22 people, the White House responded with a short statement referring to the attacks as terrorism.

HAMAS KILLS 22 IN UNPRECEDENTED, WIDE-RANGING INCURSION INTO ISRAEL. NETANYAHU SAYS ‘WE ARE AT WAR’

“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in the statement. “We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.”

Saturday’s violence began at daybreak, as Israelis were celebrating Simchat Torah, a day when Jews finish the annual cycle of reading the Torah.

Rocket attacks were paired with militants infiltrating the border, setting off gun battles inside communities. At least 22 people were killed and hundreds have been wounded in what is the deadliest attack on Israel in several years.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made a name for himself as a security hawk, told the country “We are at war. … Not an ‘operation,’ not a ‘round,’ but at war.”

National security adviser Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and the White House is in close contact with Israeli partners, according to the statement.