Top foreign diplomats, envoys condemn ‘appalling’ terror attack in Tel Aviv
Antony Blinken says US ‘stands resolutely’ with Israel ‘in the face of senseless terrorism and violence’ after 2 killed, numerous others hurt; German FM brands assailant a ‘coward’
Senior foreign officials and ambassadors to Israel condemned the deadly terror attack in Tel Aviv on Thursday night.
Two people were killed and numerous others wounded in the shooting attack on Dizengoff Street as it was crowded with Israelis marking the end of the work week at restaurants, bars and cafes. The terrorist, a Palestinian from Jenin in the northern West Bank, was killed Friday morning in a firefight with security forces.
In a statement following the attack, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US “stands resolutely” with Israel “in the face of senseless terrorism and violence.”
“Americans are, once again, grieving with the Israeli people in the wake of another deadly terrorist attack, which took the lives of two innocent victims and wounded many more in Tel Aviv,” Blinken said on Twitter.
“Our hearts go out to the families and other loved ones of those killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he added.
“We are closely following developments and will continue to be in regular contact with our Israeli partners, with whom we stand resolutely in the face of senseless terrorism and violence. May the memories of those who passed be a blessing.”
We strongly condemn the terrorist attack that occurred in Israel today. We are thinking of the victims of today’s attack and the families of those killed. May the memories of those who passed be a blessing.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 8, 2022
Ambassador Tom Nides, the US envoy to Israel, also condemned the attack.
“Horrified to see another cowardly terror attack on innocent civilians, this time in Tel Aviv. Praying for peace, and sending condolences to the victims and their families. This has to stop,” he tweeted.
Echoing Blinken, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the UK stood with Israel “against this abhorrent violence.”
“Appalled by the latest reports from Tel Aviv, where innocent people enjoying a Thursday night with friends and family were targeted by gunfire,” she remarked.
Appalled by the latest reports from Tel Aviv, where innocent people enjoying a Thursday night with friends and family were targeted by gunfire.
The UK stands with Israel and against this abhorrent violence. ????????????????
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) April 7, 2022
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock labeled the perpetrator a “coward.”
“In yet another heinous terrorist attack in Israel, cowards attacked normal Tel Aviv citizens enjoying the evening before Shabbat,” Baerbock wrote on Twitter. “We mourn those killed and grieve with their families. Our thoughts are with the injured and with the emergency responders who are caring for them.”
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said he was “deeply shocked by the reports of another heinous terror attack.”
He added: “In these dark hours we stand by the people of Israel.”
“My solidarity is with the people of Israel, who have every right to live their lives free from terror and fear,” tweeted German Ambassador to Israel Susanne Wasum-Rainer. “We stand by your side.”
Tor Wennesland, the UN envoy for Middle East peace, said he was appalled by the attack and condemned the Gaza-ruling Hamas terror group for celebrating it.
“There is no glory in terror. These acts must stop now & be condemned by all,” he tweeted.
Appalled by another heinous attack this evening in TelAviv. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims & wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Deplore the welcoming of this attack by Hamas; there is no glory in terror. These acts must stop now & be condemned by all
— Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) April 7, 2022
EU Ambassador Dimitar Tzantchev called the attack “appalling.”
