World leaders come out in show of solidarity with France after horrific terrorist attack in Nice, vow to fight global terror. Netanyahu: Israel offers France any assistance necessary. German leader: Despite the difficulties, we shall win this fight.
World leaders on Friday condemned the deadly attack in Nice, France, in which a truck rammed into crowds watching a Bastille Day fireworks display. Some 84
people were killed in the attack and over 100 were wounded.
“Israel condemns the horrific terrorist attack in France,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “This attack reminds us, once again, that terror can strike anywhere, and we have to fight it. Israel stands united with France today. We offer our condolences to the French people and we wish the wounded a speedy recovery. Israel will offer the French government any assistance necessary to vanquish this evil.”
President Reuven Rivlin wrote to French President Francois Hollande following the tragic news, saying, “On behalf of the Israeli public, please accept our deepest condolences over this terrible incident. We must work together to eradicate terrorism, and wherever terrorists hide—we will find them. Israel and the Israeli people stand shoulder to shoulder with France and its public in the face of this evil, as should all of the free world.”
Former President Shimon Peres also offered the French president and his people “my deepest condolences over this criminal, unforgivable terrorist attack. Innocent people, children, were murdered by inhumane animals. World leaders must come together to relentlessly fight the murderous terror that affects us all. Israel stands with our French friends it this time of grief.”
Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) took to Facebook, writing, “Evil terrorism has once again struck against a celebration of liberty, equality and fraternity in Nice. This is the war of our time. My condolences to the French nation and the grieving families.”
U.S. President Barack Obama condemned what he called “a horrific terrorist attack” in Nice. “On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed, and we wish a full recovery for the many wounded.
“I have directed my team to be in touch with French officials, and we have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice. We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack. On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world, and we know that the character of the French Republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned what she called an act of mass murder. “Germany stands at France’s side in the fight against terrorism, united with many, many others. I am convinced that, despite all the difficulties, we shall win this fight.”
The U.K. government and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson condemned the “appalling terrorist incident in Nice.” The British Government’s “thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration,” a No. 10 spokesman said. British Premier Theresa May was being kept up to date on the situation, he added. Johnson issued a statement saying, “I’m shocked and saddened by the appalling events in Nice, and the terrible loss of life.”
European Council president Donald Tusk said the world stands united with the French people. “It is a tragic paradox that the victims of the attack were people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity. We will stand united with the families of victims, the French people and the government in the fight against violence and hatred.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, “Canadians are shocked by the Nice attack. Our sympathy is with the victims and our solidarity is with the French people.”
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo expressed his condolences, saying “We are very sorry and very much with the French people and the French government.”
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara “strongly condemns the terrible terror attack that occurred in the French city of Nice. We deeply share the pain of the French people. Turkey is in full solidarity with France in the fight against terrorism. We will continue our struggle against these [people] with determination. First and foremost, terrorism is the rape of humanity and universal values.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that “cowardly terrorism engulfi ng innocent people is unforgivable.” Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed “strong shock and anger” over the attack, adding Japan seeks to bolster its counterterrorism measures in light of the surge in global terrorism.
China’s Premier Li Keqiang said, “We strongly condemn terrorism of all forms. We express our condolences to the victims, and we will fight all kinds of terrorism.”
