"Horrific acts of war": How local leaders are responding to Hamas attacks in Israel
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Leaders across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware condemned violence in Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza as the death toll continues to climb since beginning Saturday. The Hamas militant group's incursion in southern Israel is the deadliest attack in the nation in decades.
An Israeli military spokesperson said Wednesday that the death toll from the surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israel has now reached more than 1,200 people, including at least 22 Americans, with at least 2,800 more wounded.
Israeli military and civilian officials confirmed reports to CBS News on Wednesday of "a massacre" on a kibbutz near the Gaza border, with an emergency response official saying he saw with his own eyes children among victims who were beheaded in the community.
At least 1,200 people, including at least 326 children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip by Israel's retaliatory airstrikes, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry said in a social media post that at least 5,800 more people in the blockaded Palestinian territory were wounded, most of them women and children.
Around 150 Israelis, foreigners and dual nationals were abducted and brought to the Gaza Strip by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is "at war."
The attacks came on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, which began on Oct. 6, 1973, and ended 19 days later.
Saturday was Simchat Torah, a day when members of the Jewish faith complete the annual reading of the Torah scroll — a day normally meant to be joyous.
Local leaders' statements since Saturday condemned the violence and Hamas, and many showed their support for Israel.
Governors
Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa.
I condemn the horrific acts of war in Israel by Hamas and their enablers. These attacks on innocent Israeli civilians are abhorrent and warrant world condemnation and outrage. Our family has shared many special moments in Israel and our hearts break for those living this horror…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) October 7, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy, D-NJ
Tammy and I are sickened by the videos and images of Hamas terrorists attacking, killing, and kidnapping innocent Israeli civilians in an unprecedented coordinated series of terrorist attacks.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 7, 2023
We share the pain that so many are feeling today in Israel, NJ, and across the world. pic.twitter.com/nxn73zRfsh
Gov. John Carney, D-Del.
Delawareans stand with our friends in Israel and we strongly condemn these violent terrorist attacks that are targeting innocent people.https://t.co/1aJlLvXF3H
— Governor John Carney (@JohnCarneyDE) October 8, 2023
Senators
Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.
In the days since the start of terrorist attack on Israel, disturbing details of Hamas' barbarism continue to arise with every news report. There are now over 1,000 Israelis dead and at least 14 U.S. citizens.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) October 10, 2023
The United States stands with Israel and its right to defend itself.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.
I forcefully condemn these cowardly, horrifying, unprovoked attacks on Israel by Hamas.
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) October 7, 2023
Attacking innocent civilians is particularly despicable and reflects the craven behavior of this terrorist group.
I unequivocally stand with the people of Israel now, and always.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ
I was in Israel when the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas started on Saturday. My team and I are now safe, but like many we are shaken, angered, and heartbroken by the hundreds killed, the thousands injured, those taken hostage, and all who are directly affected by these… pic.twitter.com/E4BgEZxSTC
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 8, 2023
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ
Menendez posted a statement on his account on X.
"I emphatically condemn the murderous invasion by Hamas into Israel during its religious holidays. The killing of innocent Israelis in their homes by Hamas, during an invasion from Gaza, shows them to be what they are - a murderous terrorist organization. I hope Israel's detractors will now understand the constant life & death struggle the Israeli people live with every day. It's time for the international community to unequivocally condemn Hamas.
The U.S. must unequivocally stand with Israel at this time of war with Hamas."
Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del.
I am appalled at the attacks we are seeing across Israel, and condemn those responsible for this violence in the strongest possible terms. I am proud to stand with the people of Israel as they defend themselves against these acts of terrorism.
— Senator Tom Carper (@SenatorCarper) October 7, 2023
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.
I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ unprovoked invasion and attacks against Israel. This violence against civilians is reprehensible, and I will work with the administration to ensure the people of Israel have what they need to defend themselves against these atrocities.
— Senator Chris Coons (@ChrisCoons) October 7, 2023
Representatives
Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa.
1/ Last night, I joined 1,000 members of the Philadelphia area’s Jewish community & fellow allies in standing with the people of Israel & against terrorism. America will provide aid and support to our ally in her time of need, and work to protect U.S. citizens. pic.twitter.com/dK4qCiYgrm
— Congressman Dwight Evans🟧 (@RepDwightEvans) October 10, 2023
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
Horrific scenes of unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists on innocent Israeli civilians, including children.
— Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick 🇺🇸 (@RepBrianFitz) October 7, 2023
Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa.
Praying for the victims of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel. Some of the videos and pictures are truly heinous, reminiscent of ISIS. Like all countries, Israel has the right to defend its citizens. https://t.co/ncNwt48NXB
— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) October 7, 2023
Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa.
Deeply concerned to hear of Hamas’ unprovoked, coordinated attack that killed at least 40 Israelis and wounded more than 700.
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) October 7, 2023
This provocation will hurt Israelis and Palestinians alike — worsening an already tense conflict.
I condemn the violence and pray for the entire region.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa.
I strongly condemn the egregious attack by Hamas on Israel and innocent Israeli civilians. My prayers are with the families of those lost and wounded.
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) October 7, 2023
We stand united with our friend and ally in its time of need.
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.
I stand with the United States and President Biden in supporting our ally, Israel, who was attacked by land, air, and sea without provocation. Militant terrorist organizations, namely Hamas, started this war and Israel has the right to defend its sovereignty.
— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) October 7, 2023
Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa.
Congress must stand shoulder to shoulder with our ally Israel. I’m proud to co-sponsor a bipartisan resolution led by @RepGregoryMeeks & @RepMcCaul condemning the horrific violence and affirming the U.S.’s commitment to providing aid to Israel. pic.twitter.com/HadCqlJ8cM
— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) October 10, 2023
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ
Absolutely horrific and has NO place in the modern world. There can be no peace, no path forward, for Israel or Palestinians while Hamas remains in power.
— Congressman Jeff Van Drew (@Congressman_JVD) October 10, 2023
Israel has the absolute right to rid the world of these terrorists once and for all. I will always stand with Israel. https://t.co/uO7cyLdMH9
Rep. Donald Norcross, D-NJ
Today, I met with Israeli leaders as part of the first U.S. delegation to Israel since the Hamas attacks to show the strength of the U.S.- Israel relationship and our unwavering bipartisan, bicameral unity for Israel and the Jewish people. pic.twitter.com/y3N9jpn3s1
— Congressman Donald Norcross 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@DonaldNorcross) October 11, 2023
Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del.
These attacks against Israeli civilians, carried out by Hamas terrorists, are horrifying and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms. I stand with Israel and its people.
— Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (@RepLBR) October 7, 2023