Whole world must condemn Hamas attacks on Israel – Lithuanian PM

VILNIUS – Hamas' "brutal" attacks against Israel must be condemned by the entire world, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said on Thursday after meeting with Hadas Wittenberg Silverstein, Israel's ambassador to Lithuania. 

At the meeting, Simonyte once again condemned the Palestinian Islamist militant group's attacks and acts of terror against Israel and its people, stressing that Lithuania stands in solidarity with the Jewish state and supports "its right to defend itself in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law", the government's press office said in a press release.

"Hamas' brutal attacks against Israel and its incomprehensible terror against civilians must receive condemnation from the entire world," it quoted the prime minister as saying. "Hamas terror acts pose a threat to security and stability across the region." 

"We are friends of Israel and sincerely sympathize with the victims' families, and wish strength to all those experiencing loss or uncertainty about the missing," she added. 

Simonyte emphasized Lithuania's position that all Israeli citizens taken hostage, whether civilians or military personnel, must be released as soon as possible.

The prime minister and the ambassador also discussed the latest security situation in Israel and the region, according to the press release.