On Saturday, nations around the world began making statements about the conflict in Israel, with Qatar blaming the country for the current situation after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip.
In a statement posted on X, the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a de-escalation of violence but said it "holds Israel solely responsible for the ongoing escalation due to its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people."
"The latest of which was the repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli police," the statement continued. "The Ministry stresses the need for the international community to act urgently to compel Israel to stop its flagrant violations of international law respect the resolutions of international legitimacy and the historical rights of the Palestinian people, and to prevent these events from being used as a pretext to ignite a new asymmetric war against Palestinian civilians in Gaza."
Will Chamberlain called the statement, "The most contemptible official statement I've seen from a government account in quite a while."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Saudi Arabia expressed a similar sentiment. "The Kingdom recalls its repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, the continued deprivations of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systemic provocations against its sanctities," it said along with calling for peace negotiations.
Overnight Hamas launched the largest attack on Israel since the Second Intifada over 20 years ago. Militants crossed into Israel using an intensive rocket attack and killing and wounding hundreds.
According to reports, "Explosions were heard by residents across these areas and direct hits on buildings were reported in Ashkelon, the Gederot region and Tel Aviv" while gunmen killed nearly 40 people and wounded nearly 800 more. More than 2,200 rockets were fired at Israel after 6:30 am without notice according to Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement "Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known. We are in a war and we will win it."
Marina Medvin started a thread on X where she has posted videos that are being taken on the ground amid the conflict.
Other nations around the world have condemned the attacks. The White House's statement said, "The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners."
Netanyahu posted a statement on X to the citizens of Israel. He said, "Citizens of Israel, 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 is currently being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it."
