Kyiv [Ukraine], October 7 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday condemned Hamas' attacks on Israel and asserted that terror should have no place in the world. He stated that Israel's right to self-defence is "unquestionable."
He called for the release of all details regarding the terrorist assault and holding those behind the attack accountable. Zelenskyy stressed that whoever resorts to terror and finances terror commits a crime against the world.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelenskyy stated, "Horrible news from Israel. My condolences go out to everyone who lost relatives or close ones in the terrorist attack. We have faith that order will be restored and terrorists will be defeated. Terror should have no place in the world, because it is always a crime, not just against a specific country or this terror's victims, but against humanity in general and our entire world.
"Anyone who resorts to terror commits a crime against the world. Whoever finances terror is committing a crime against the world. The world must stand united and in solidarity so that terror does not attempt to break or subjugate life anywhere and at any moment. Israel's right to self-defense is unquestionable. All details surrounding this terrorist assault must be revealed so that the world knows and holds accountable everyone who supported and helped carry out the attack," he added.
Zelenskyy asked Ukrainian citizens who are currently residing in the risk zone of Israel to obey all orders issued by local security services. He stated that Ukraine has established an operational headquarters to assist Ukrainians in Israel.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy further stated, "All Ukrainian citizens who remain in the risk zone must carefully obey all orders issued by local security services and remain vigilant. Please be cautious. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in Israel are ready to assist in any situation. To support Ukrainians in Israel, we established an operational headquarters. If you require assistance, please contact any of our diplomatic or consular offices in any convenient and accessible manner. Every life is valuable! We condemn all forms of terrorism."
The death toll in in Israel from the Hamas rocket attack rose to 40, The Times of Israel reported citing the Magen David Adom emergency service. In addition to this, over 700 people were injured.
According to the Health Ministry, 779 people have been hospitalized.This comes after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel after Hamas launched a "surprise attack" on Saturday morning.
Terror cells from the Gaza group have infiltrated a number of communities in Southern Israel, according to Times of Israel. Hamas has also claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers. However, IDF has not yet spoken on the report.
In the first reaction to the 'surprise attack', Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel "is at war", further asserting that they will "win it".
"We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered, first of all, to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out," Netanyahu said in a video statement.
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