"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.
Gov. Phil Murphy, D-NJ
Gov. John Carney, D-Del.
Senators
Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ
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."
