How the world reacts to the fighting in Israel

World leaders are reacting to Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on Saturday morning. As in previous conflicts, many are calling for calm and restraint.

Middle East:

Egypt: Often acting as a mediator between the two sides, Egypt is already trying to find a way to stop the bloodshed. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that he is "intensively" communicating with colleagues and international officials to "stop the current escalation," according to a statement from the ministry.

Turkey: Speaking at a political conference, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country calls on "the parties to act with restraint in light of the events in Israel this morning and to refrain from impulsive steps that will lead to an escalation of tension."

Speaking at the congress of his ruling party in Ankara, Erdogan separately called against "any attempt" to damage the "historical and religious status" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.

UAE: In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need to "stop the escalation" between Palestinians and Israelis and "save human lives."

"The UAE calls for maximum restraint and an immediate ceasefire to avoid dangerous consequences," the statement, published on state-run WAM, said.

Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom stated that it was closely monitoring the "unprecedented" situation and called on "both sides to immediately stop the escalation". The country's Foreign Ministry said that it reiterated its "previous repeated warnings about the danger of an escalation of the situation as a result of the ongoing occupation and the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights."

Iran: According to Al Jazeera, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei congratulated Palestinian militants on the launch of the largest attack on Israel in recent years, as reported by the semi-official ISNA news site.

"We congratulate the Palestinian militants," Rahim Safavi was quoted as saying.

"We will support Palestinian militants until Palestine and Jerusalem are liberated," he said.

European Union:

Ursula von der Leyen: The President of the European Commission said on Twitter that she "unequivocally" condemns the attack. "This is terrorism in its most despicable form. Israel has the right to defend itself against such horrific attacks."

Charles Michel: The President of the European Council also condemned "the indiscriminate attacks against Israel and its people this morning, causing terror and violence against innocent citizens. My thoughts are with all those affected. The EU stands in solidarity with the Israeli people at this terrible time."

French President Emmanuel Macron: "I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that are taking place in Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: "Today we received shocking news from Israel. The rocket attacks from Gaza and the escalation of violence shock us deeply. Germany condemns Hamas's attacks and stands with Israel."

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak: "I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We are in contact with the Israeli authorities and British citizens in Israel should follow travel advice."

Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte: "Horrific images from Israel. The Hamas terrorist organization is launching an unprecedented attack on Israel. Terrorists are attacking innocent civilians. This violence must stop; Israel has every right to defend itself."

Ukraine:

In a statement, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that Kyiv "strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks on civilians in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv."

"We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people," it added.

Russia: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov told RIA Novosti on Saturday that Russia is in contact with representatives of Israel and Palestine and calls on both sides to immediately cease fire.

Spain: Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said that Spain strongly condemns "the very serious terrorist attacks from Gaza against Israel" and said he was "appalled by this indiscriminate violence."

"All our solidarity is with the victims. Spain is firmly committed to peace, security and stability in the region," he said in a Twitter post.

Italy: "The Italian government is closely following the brutal attack that took place in Israel. It condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing terror and violence against innocent civilians and supports Israel's right to self-defense. Terror will never win," the Italian government said.