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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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The U.S. embassy in Israel has issued a warning to American citizens, urging them to "take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," following a massive attack on southern and central Israel by Hamas forces.
Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets at targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv, while dozens of gunmen from the group infiltrated across the border to conduct attacks. Newsweek has been unable to verify this. Footage posted on social media appears to show multiple dead Israeli soldiers and civilians, while Hamas has released video, which it claims shows a number of Israeli soldiers who have been captured by its gunmen.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz released a statement accusing "Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists" of launching "a literal war against Israel."
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In a security update, the U.S. Embassy to Israel, in Jerusalem, said: "The U.S. Embassy is closely monitoring the security situation as a result of rockets fired from Gaza across southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and the infiltration of Hamas militants.
"The U.S. Embassy is aware that there have been casualties as a result of these incidents. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.
"U.S. Embassy personnel are currently sheltering in place. U.S. government personnel continue to be prohibited from travel to Gaza and areas within seven (7) miles of Gaza," the security update added.
The White House condemned the attack with a statement that read: "The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism.
"We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners."
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Cruz suggested Iranian culpability in the attacks. He wrote: "Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists launched a literal war against Israel tonight. Our Israeli allies will now do what they must to defend themselves and I stand with them as they confront this violence and these atrocities.
"The United States must continue to support Israel's absolute right to self-defense and ensure it has the military resources and diplomatic support it needs to confront the genocidal Iran-controlled terrorists who seek Israel's destruction," Cruz added.
Kari Lake, a prominent, Donald Trump-supporting Republican who is expected to run for an Arizona Senate seat, posted: "Hamas Terrorists have launched war against Israel. They've unleashed a hellfire of bombs and are going door to door murdering Israeli civilians.
"America must stand with our friend and ally in the Middle East. I will always support Israel's rights as a sovereign Nation. She has every right to defend herself against these barbaric monsters. I have full faith and confidence that she will do just that," Lake added.
X owner Elon Musk posted: "Sorry to see what's happening in Israel. I hope there can be peace one day."
Saturday's attacks by Hamas, and other Palestinian groups, have sparked condemnation from around the world.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "I am shocked by this morning's attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself."
French President Emmanuel Macron commented: "I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones."
A strongly worded statement was released on X by Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, who said: "Horrible news from Israel. My condolences go out to everyone who lost relatives or close ones in the terrorist attack. We have faith that order will be restored and terrorists will be defeated."
Zelensky added that "Israel's right to self-defense is unquestionable."
UPDATED 07:51 a.m., 07/10/2023: This article was updated with quotes from world leaders.
UPDATED 10:45 a.m., 07/10/2023: This article was updated with a statement from the White House.
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