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Israel’s allies around the world, as well as Israeli politicians, have condemned Friday night’s Palestinian terror attack on a Jerusalem synagogue that killed at least seven people and wounded many more, with many stressing that the incident occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
At the start of the State Department’s daily news briefing, the deputy spokesman first mentioned the attack in Jerusalem.
“It was horrific. Our condolences, prayers and condolences go out to those who lost their lives and were injured in this heinous act of violence. We condemn in the strongest possible terms this apparent terrorist attack,” Vedante Par Tell said.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security remains unwavering, we remain in direct contact with our Israeli partners, and our hearts are with the people of Israel,” he added.
Patel said he did not think the attack would affect Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s planned visit to the region early next week. Blinken’s trip reportedly coincides with CIA Director William Burns’ talks in Israel and the West Bank and comes less than two weeks after U.S. National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan’s visit.
White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre condemned the shooting, noting that the incident “occurs unfortunately on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, when the world commemorates those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.”
“The United States will fully support the Government and people of Israel. As such, the President has directed his national security team to immediately engage with their Israeli counterparts to provide all appropriate support to assist the wounded and bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice,” The White House press secretary added in a statement.
The US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nieders, also condemned the shooting, expressing shock and disgust at the “terrible act of violence”, as did the European Union envoy to the Jewish state and the French embassy.
Horrible acts of violence at a Jerusalem synagogue on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I am appalled and disgusted by this heinous terrorist attack on innocent people, including children. Praying for all the victims and their loved ones.
— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) January 27, 2023
A spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement that the Secretary-General “strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack by a Palestinian outside a synagogue in Jerusalem” and “expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes They get well soon” injured.
“It is particularly abhorrent that the attack took place at a place of worship on a day when we are commemorating the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Terrorist acts can never be justified. They must be unequivocally condemned and rejected by all,” the statement said added.
It also said Guterres was “deeply concerned” by the escalation of violence and called for “maximum restraint”.
Tor Wennesland, the UN special envoy for Middle East peace, also condemned the “horrific” attack.
“There can never be any excuse for this behavior and must be unequivocally condemned and rejected by all,” he tweeted.
Security and rescue forces at the scene of the Neve Yaakov shooting in Jerusalem, January 27, 2023 (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The attack on worshipers in a synagogue during the Holocaust Remembrance Day and Shabbat is horrific. We stand with our Israeli friends.”
The UAE’s foreign ministry also condemned the “criminal” attack and said it opposed all forms of violence.
The ministry “expresses its sincere condolences to the government and people of Israel, condolences to the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy recovery to all injured.”
Turkey’s foreign ministry also expressed concern that Friday’s attack, along with other recent violence in the region, will lead to a new “escalation of violence”.
“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem that killed many people. We express our condolences to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Israel. We wish the wounded a speedy recovery,” Turkey said.
Foreign ministry officials from Poland, Serbia, North Macedonia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Italy and Japan also condemned the attack and offered their condolences.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a statement condemning the attack following an assessment with senior military officials. “Under my leadership, the security agencies will take strong action to fight terrorism without compromise and will reach out to all those involved in the attacks,” he said.
The prime minister’s office said Benjamin Netanyahu was receiving an update on the deadly attack in Neve Yaakov’s neighborhood and would confer with senior security officials. He then went to the scene, which was also attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
Netanyahu called the attack “one of the worst we have known in years.”
“Our hearts are with the family. I commend the police who acted quickly,” Netanyahu said. “We must act with determination and composure. I urge people not to take the law into their own hands.”
He said Cabinet would meet on Saturday, adding, “We have decided to take several measures immediately, which will start tonight.”
The devout Bengeville declined to speak to reporters, citing the Sabbath, as many began chanting “death terrorists” – a far-right lawmaker himself encouraged after a bystander shouted “death leftists”. Some people say so.
Responding to a man shouting “it’s your job”, Ben Gvir said “the burden of proof is on us”, adding that the government must respond.
“A difficult and painful Shabbat night. Heartbreaking with these difficult images. Horror in a synagogue, a dastardly terrorist murdered in cold blood,” Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party and opposition leader, tweeted wrote.
He offered his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed confidence that security forces would track down anyone who helped the attackers.
“Terror cannot be allowed to rear its head,” he added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Bengevir visit the site of a deadly terrorist shooting in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem, January 27, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Israel’s Betnu party, called the attack a “shocking massacre”.
“The government must hold the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks and those who sent them dear,” he tweeted.
Labor Party Chairman Merav Mikkeli said: “My heart goes out to the wounded and the families of the victims. We must fight this horror unswervingly.”
MK Mansour Abbas said his Islamist Ra’am party condemned “any attack that kills innocent citizens.
“I am confident that this bill and others like it will significantly reduce the likelihood of finding a solution to the conflict and realizing the vision of peace, mutual security, cooperation and tolerance in the Holy Land,” he said in a statement, calling for restraint.
A police car is seen outside the Ateret Avraham synagogue after a deadly terrorist shooting in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem, January 27, 2023. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP)
The attacker, an East Jerusalem resident, opened fire after driving to the synagogue before fleeing to a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood, according to police. Police said he was killed after shooting officers he encountered there.
Friday’s deadly attack came after days of violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Tensions have escalated sharply since Thursday morning, when the IDF attacked a terrorist cell in the West Bank, killing nine Palestinians – most of them the gunman and members of the cell, but at least one civilian was also shot. die.
The IDF said Thursday’s operation in the Jenin refugee camp was necessary to thwart an imminent attack planned by the local Islamic Jihad terrorist group. According to the IDF, the group was carrying explosives and guns.
Palestinian terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip fired rockets and Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on Thursday night, but both sides appeared intent on avoiding an escalation into all-out war.
Tensions were also high in Jerusalem and the Temple Mount on Friday, although Muslim prayers went well.
Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.
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