UPDATE: The statements from Indiana University President Pamela Whitten, Congresswoman Erin Houchin have been added.
Recent conflict in Israel following attacks by a Palestinian militant group has left thousands injured and at least 1,600 dead. The long-standing dispute follows years of fighting and war over the Gaza Strip, a piece of land between Israel and Egypt.
The attack from Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, on Israel Saturday night is one of the “first pitched battles” between Israeli and Palestinian groups on Israel’s soil in decades.
READ MORE: Israeli airstrikes intensify in Gaza as war enters 4th day
On X, formerly Twitter, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb called the attacks, injuries and deaths “tear-jerking.” He added he is “praying for peace” and that Israeli citizens have his support.
Reports this morning of the brutally directed Hamas land, air, and sea invasion into Israel brings the cruel reminder that terrorism seeks war not peace. The over 2,200 rockets launched into civilian neighborhoods, the long list of civilians killed and injured, the hostages taken — Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) October 7, 2023
Also on X, U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) called the attacks on Israel “appalling.” He said that America is supportive of its “ally Israel.”
The attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israeli civilians are appalling. The United States stands with Israel and supports its right to defend itself and confront this violence. — Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) October 7, 2023
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) called for the country to “stand strong” with Israel during these conflicts.
The United States must continue to stand strong with Israel as they respond to these shocking acts of terror from Iran-backed Hamas. — Senator Mike Braun (@SenatorBraun) October 7, 2023
District 9 Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R) said she condemns the attacks on Israel and stands with them.
I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the unjustified and disgusting attacks by Hamas on our friend and ally Israel. Today, and everyday, I stand with the people of Israel as they defend their homeland from the scourge of terrorism. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (@RepHouchin) October 7, 2023
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten said in a university statement Wednesday that "Israel has suffered grievous atrocities at the hands of Hamas terrorists."
"As our campuses go into fall break over the next several days, I ask that we give heartfelt thoughts to the Jewish members of our IU family. I have reflected on the events of this past week and have had many conversations with the IU community. I continue to be heartbroken by… pic.twitter.com/uoP5VhVStI — Indiana University (@IndianaUniv) October 12, 2023
On a national level, President Joe Biden also condemned the attacks and said his administration’s support for Israel is “unwavering.”
Let me say this as clearly as I can. This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. — President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2023
Israel captured Gaza from Egypt in a 1967 war, but withdrew troops and settlers in 2005. Hamas took control of the area in 2007. Israel and Egypt have a blockade against the strip, which is occupied by more than 2 million Palestinians. Conditions within the strip have deteriorated since this blockage, with high unemployment and poverty rates.
According to the United Nations’ humanitarian agency (OCHA), Israeli settlers have violently attacked Palestinians at least 700 times in 2023 – the highest number on record.
Hamas has said Saturday’s attack was in response to these kinds of attacks from Israel and recent actions at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque and in the West Bank.
Violet is our daily news reporter. Contact her at vcomberwilen@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @ComberWilen .
This story was updated by Katy Szpak.
