The Elysee Palace issued a statement by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and United States on the Israel-Hamas escalation. The statement reads:
Today, we - Mr. Emmanuel MACRON, President of the Republic, Mr. Olaf SCHOLZ, Federal Chancellor of the German Federal Republic, Ms. Giorgia MELONI, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Mr. Rishi SUNAK, Prime Minister of United Kingdom and Mr. Joe BIDEN, President of the United States of America - express our strong and united support for the State of Israel, as well as our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism.
We clearly state that Hamas' actions have no justification, no legitimacy and must be universally condemned.
Nothing, ever, justifies terrorism.
In recent days, Hamas terrorists have massacred families in their homes, as well as more than 200 young people attending a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children and entire families, who are now being held hostage , under the horrified gaze of the whole world.
Our countries support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against these atrocities. We emphasize that no other actor hostile to Israel should seek to take advantage of these attacks.
We all recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians. But let us make no mistake: Hamas does not represent these aspirations and offers nothing to the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.
Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, as allies and friends of the State of Israel, to ensure that Israel is able to defend itself and to create the conditions for a Middle East peaceful and integrated.
