Members of Florida’s Congress and local leaders reacted with concern and outrage to a surprise attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel Saturday.
At least 198 people in the Gaza Strip have been killed in Israel’s retaliation and at least 1,610 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.
The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have carried out an unprecedented, multifront attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. Israel says at least 40 people have died.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel was “at war” and called for a mass mobilization of army reserves. The invasion revived memories of the 1973 war practically 50 years to the day.
“Israelis are dying today at the hands of Iran-backed terrorists,” Sen. Rick Scott posted on X Saturday. “Every American ally & partner must swiftly condemn this invasion & acts of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks. We stand with Israel.”
Scott also criticized President Joe Biden following the attack in an additional post on X that stated, “Israel is under attack and being invaded. Israeli women and children are being murdered and dragged through the streets of Gaza by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. It’s 9:25 a.m. and we still haven’t heard from POTUS. Where the hell is Joe Biden?”
Members of Congress from both parties are also united in outrage.
“The Democratic State of Israel is under attack, facing unprovoked and despicable assaults by Hamas terrorists. These brazen acts of violence demand the strongest condemnation, as there is no justification for launching over 2,200 missiles in a brutal assault raining down upon innocent citizens. Democratic nations worldwide must unite to support Israel, as unity is our strength in the face of united terrorism,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson.
“Israel stands as the United States’ closest friend and ally, and our nation’s strength is intertwined with theirs. My prayers are with the people of Israel today, and as Israel prepares for war in these dark hours, the United States stands ready to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is unwavering,” she added.
“The dastardly terrorist attacks perpetrated against innocent Israeli civilians by Iran-backed terror group Hamas deserve a swift and lethal response. Israel not only has the right to defend itself against these attacks, it has a duty to respond with overwhelming force. I stand with Israel. America must stand with Israel,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis on X,
Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried also condemned the attack in a post on X that read:
“This unprovoked act of terrorism must be condemned by nations around the world. Israel has the right to defend herself and her people. The attacks on innocent lives is unacceptable and I stand with Israel. Prayers for the families who have already lost loved ones.”
“I am shocked and heartbroken at the attacks on Israel and Israeli civilians. These heinous acts of violence must come to an end to protect innocent lives. Miami-Dade stands with the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves against acts of terror, today and always,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
“These deadly terrorist attacks targeting Israeli civilians are horrific. I pray for the victims and families subjected to this evil and unacceptable violence at the hands of Hamas. The people of Israel deserve to be safe and protected, and we stand in solidarity with Israel, our longtime ally,” said Florida Senator Shevrin Jones in a statement Saturday.
The tensions have also spread to Gaza, where Hamas-linked activists held violent demonstrations along the Israeli border in recent weeks. Those demonstrations were halted in late September after international mediation.
Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said the U.S. “unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians.”
You can read the White House statement, in part, here:
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Adwan reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Jerusalem contributed to this report.