Museveni reacts as Hamas attack on Israel spirals

Some world leaders, including Uganda's President Museveni, urged restraint after Saturday's deadly Hamas attack targeting Israel and the retaliation that followed, but others blamed Israel itself and some celebrated the surprise assault.

The early morning Hamas offensive by air, land and sea was met by Israeli air strikes on the blockaded coastal enclave, in the bloodiest escalation since May 2021.

"We are at war," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, promising that "the enemy will pay an unprecedented price".

Here is a roundup of the reactions from countries: 

Uganda

Ugandan President Museveni said "the breakout of renewed violence in Israel- Palestine is regrettable," adding that "Why don’t the two sides implement the two States’ Solution?"

"To be condemned, in particular, is the practice of targeting civilians and non- combatants by the belligerents," he wrote Saturday evening on X, formally Twitter. 

United States 

The United States condemned the attack by "Hamas terrorists" against Israel.

"The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians," a White House statement said, adding that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was in close contact with Israeli officials.

"We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks," it added.

Iran 

A senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed support for the attack, calling it a "proud operation".

"We support this operation," Yahya Rahim Safavi said, quoted by ISNA news agency.

Safavi expressed backing for the Palestinian militants "until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem".

At a parliament session on Saturday, Iranian lawmakers chanted "Down with Israel", "Down with America" and "Welcome Palestine", according to a video published by the Tasnim news agency.

Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said: "The Kingdom calls for an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control".

"The Kingdom is reminded of its repeated warnings of the dangers of an explosive situation as a result of the continued occupation and deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights," it added.

UN 

The UN's human rights chief Volker Turk said: "I call for an immediate stop to the violence, and appeal to all sides and key countries in the region to de-escalate to avoid further bloodshed."

He said he was "deeply concerned at reports that Israeli civilians have been taken hostage".

EU 

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel."

"It is terrorism in its most despicable form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks," she said.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said "this horrific violence must stop immediately. Terrorism and violence solve nothing. The EU expresses its solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments."

He added: "News of civilians taken as hostages in their homes or to Gaza are appalling. This is against international law. Hostages must be released immediately".

Russia 

Russia's foreign ministry called for an "immediate ceasefire".

"We call on the Palestinian and Israeli sides to immediately cease fire, renounce violence, show the necessary restraint and -- with the help of the international community -- establish a negotiation process aimed at establishing a comprehensive, lasting and long-awaited peace," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country is fending off a Russian invasion, said Israel had an "indisputable" right to defend itself.

"Terror is always a crime, not just against one country or specific victims, but against humanity as a whole," he said.

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Israel and Palestinians to avoid further escalation.

"We invite all parties to act reasonably and to stay away from impulsive steps that raise tensions," said Erdogan, who strongly supports the Palestinian cause.

France 

France expressed "full solidarity with Israel and the victims" and underscored "its absolute rejection of terrorism and its commitment to Israel's security".

President Emmanuel Macron said he "firmly condemns" the attacks.

Germany 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Israel "has our full solidarity" and "the right, guaranteed by international law, to defend itself against terrorism".

Britain 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was "shocked" by the attacks.

"Israel has an absolute right to defend itself," he said.

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country stood "in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour".

"Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel," Modi said.

Yemen 

In Yemen, Huthi rebels who control the capital Sanaa expressed their support for "the heroic jihadist operation".

In a statement published on the website of the Huthi-controlled SABA news agency, the Iran-aligned militant group said the attack "revealed the weakness, fragility and impotence" of Israel.

It added that this operation "is a battle of dignity, pride, and defense".