Today, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom
and the United States of America released the following joint
statement following their call:
Today, we — President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of
Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of
the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States —
express our steadfast and united support to the State of Israel,
and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts
of terrorism.
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.
All of us recognise 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.
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.
