Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a resolute call to world leaders on Saturday, urging them to display solidarity and unity by offering their support to Israel while unequivocally denouncing the "terrorist attack" perpetrated by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to the surprise assault launched by Hamas, pledged "mighty vengeance" following a devastating attack that resulted in the loss of over 300 lives, marking the deadliest episode of violence in Israel in nearly fifty years.
Zelenskyy, presiding over a nation engaged in a prolonged conflict initiated by Russia nearly 19 months ago, drew a parallel between Israel and Ukraine, asserting that both countries possessed the inherent right to defend themselves.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy emphasized the paramount importance of upholding the sanctity of human life and rejecting terrorism as fundamental principles that should unite the global community. He stated, "Let the value of human life and the intolerance of terror be the principles that will finally unite the whole world." He further underscored that terrorists must face defeat, regardless of the targets they select or the individuals they assail, emphasizing the significance of this outcome for the entire world.
Ukraine's interactions with Israel have been marked by tension since Russia initiated its invasion in February 2022. Despite dispatching substantial humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Netanyahu consistently declined to provide weapons to Kyiv. Israel, renowned as a key ally of the United States, maintains exceptionally close diplomatic relations with Russia compared to other Western-aligned nations.
In contrast to Ukraine's stance, Russia issued a notably more measured statement, calling on both Palestine and Israel to "implement an immediate ceasefire." Russia also disclosed that it was engaged in communication with Israel, the Palestinians, and Arab nations in an effort to address the ongoing violence.
In a visual message released on Saturday, the Ukrainian army featured Ukrainian soldiers expressing condemnation for the Hamas attack while expressing their support for Israel, thereby underscoring the multifaceted dynamics at play in the region.
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