After two Palestinian terrorists murdered four innocent Israeli civilians and wounded 17 in an attack on a Tel Aviv Cafe Wednesday night, world leaders condemned the horrific attack, but some still seemed inexplicably baffled as to why Hamas, a terror organization which explicitly calls for Israel’s destruction, would praise it.
World leaders condemned the Palestinian terror attack in Tel Aviv Wednesday night, in which four Israelis were murdered and 17 were wounded, the deadliest attack in almost nine months. One terrorist was captured uninjured, while the other was shot and captured. He is being treated in an Israeli hospital.
Hamas praised the attack and later on officially claimed responsibility for it.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called the injured terrorist a “hero” and said he was praying for his soul. Hamas said the attack was “a message from children of the resistance to leaders of the occupation, especially [Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman],” who took office just last week.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said in a statement that there is no justification for terrorism and condemned the Hamas terror organization for praising and celebrating the attack, while expressing shock that Hamas leaders “chose to welcome this attack.”
Ban called on the Palestinian leadership to fulfill its obligations and take a strong stand against terrorism and violence and to stop incitement that encourages the attacks.
Nickolay Mladenov, the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said on Twitter he was “Shocked to see Hamas welcomes Tel Aviv terror attack. Leaders must stand against violence and the incitement that fuels it, not condone it.”
In Washington, State Department spokesman Mark Toner condemned the “horrific terrorist attack,” saying “cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and our hopes for a quick recovery for those wounded.”
“These cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified. We are in touch with Israeli authorities to express our support and concern,” Toner said.
Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said she stands alongside the citizens of Israel. Clinton expressed her unconditional support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Israel’s security is not negotiable, she stressed.
She condemned the “heinous” attack and sent “my deepest condolences to the families of those killed and I will continue to pray for the wounded.”
“I stand in solidarity with the Israeli people in the face of these ongoing threats, and in unwavering support of the country’s right to defend itself. Israel’s security must remain non-negotiable,”
French President Francois Hollande also condemned “with the greatest strength the odious attack”, and expressed France’s “support for Israel in the fight against terrorism.”
The Palestinian leadership has remained silent on the attack and has so far refrained from condemning it.
By: United with Israel Staff