COLUMBUS – Ohio leaders from both parties criticized attacks on Israel by Hamas that left at least
600 dead.
The fighting was still underway on Sunday more than 24 hours after the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented incursion into Israel from Gaza.
“Fran and I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families of the unprovoked attack on Israel today. We offer our support to the people of Israel and condemn this unjustified act by Hamas,” said Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who declared Saturday and Sunday statewide “days of prayer for the people of Israel.”
“I condemn the horrific, unprovoked attacks on the Israeli people. These acts of terrorism, on a holy day, are an affront to human rights and our shared values of peace and democracy. I stand with Israel” Democratic U.S Sen. Sherrod Brown posted on his X feed.
“The horrible terrorist attacks launched by Hamas are an act of war,” Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance said. “We must unequivocally condemn these heinous acts of violence against innocent civilians and the Iranian regime for funding the terrorists who carried them out.”
“Every Israeli and Palestinian deserves to live without fear of violence. We are praying for the families who have already lost loved ones and who are worried about the days to come, and we stand firmly in support of the peaceful lives they deserve,” Democratic leaders and members of the Ohio House of Representatives wrote in a joint statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the country is at war and will exact a heavy price from its enemies.
Hamas leaders said they were prepared for further escalation.