Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou have both expressed strong condemnation of the attack on Israel carried out by Hamas from Gaza on Saturday, October 7.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis condemned the “atrocious terrorist attack,” emphasizing the high number of civilian casualties caused. He affirmed Greece’s support for the people of Israel and their right to self-defense.
President Sakellaropoulou also expressed her shock at the terrorist attacks, condemning the acts of hatred and violence and expressing solidarity with Israel.
Israeli authorities have confirmed at least 300 peopled have died and over 2000 have been injured in Gaza and Israel after the border attack by Hamas militants. Israel’s military has also acknowledged hostages have been taken.
The Greek Foreign Ministry has also strongly criticized the rocket attacks launched against Israel, expressing solidarity with the country. The ministry condemned the escalation of violence and called the attacks an “unacceptable escalation of violence”.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement, launched a surprise assault on Israel, combining gunmen crossing the border with a heavy barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
The incident marked an unprecedented infiltration by Hamas gunmen into Israel and is the most serious escalation since the 2021 war between Israel and Hamas.
Gunbattles between Palestinian fighters and security forces were reported in southern Israel, while people in Gaza rushed to buy supplies in anticipation of more conflict.
Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation, urging Palestinians to fight. “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” he said, adding that 5,000 rockets had been launched.
Israeli Defense Forces reported at least 2200 rockets were fired towards Israel.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the country “is at war” following the attack and called an emergency meeting of security officials, and reservists were called up.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group joined Hamas in the attack, expressing their support. Palestinians in Gaza expressed surprise at the infiltration into Israel.
The attack occurred a day after Israel commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war.
This condemnation from top Greek officials adds to the growing international outcry against the violence.
