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Joining a chorus of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels released a statement on Sunday condemning the Hamas attack on Israel.
“On one of the most joyous days in the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, Hamas militants launched an unprovoked, surprise attack on Israel, leaving hundreds dead, thousands wounded, and a region that is now plunged into war,” Daniels said. “This is terrorism, plain and simple. It cannot be tolerated and should be condemned by every member of the international community.”
By Sunday morning, the death toll in Israel from the attack had surpassed 700 – a shocking figure not experienced in the country in decades – and more than 300 had been killed in Gaza, as Israeli missile strikes rained down in response to the surprise attack. Israel has declared war.
“My heart goes out to the thousands of families whose lives have been shattered by this brutal, cowardly attack,” Daniels said. “I share their grief and sorrow for all the innocent souls, including children and the elderly, who have been violently killed, injured and kidnapped.
“I am further outraged by reports of innocent people being held hostage by Hamas and I pray for their immediate and safe return. As Americans, we love freedom, value peace, and support the right of free, peaceful people to defend themselves against unwarranted, unjust, and inhumane aggression. I stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and strongly condemn this horrific act of war and terrorism.”
Officials in Israel were still trying to determine how many hostages were taken back to Gaza as captives by Hamas fighters. Videos posted to various websites on the internet showed women, children and the elderly being held by Hamas fighters.
