United States condemns terrorist attacks in Israel

( Fox )

The White House said Saturday that it "unequivocally condemns" the Hamas attacks in Israel.

"The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Saturday morning in a statement.

"There is never any justification for terrorism," Watson continued. "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."

The Islamist terror group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel Saturday, firing thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltrating Israeli territory with gunmen.

Several hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country. Israel’s national rescue service said at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.