Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME) –  a global network of over 40,000 academics – is shocked and heartbroken by today’s shameful surprise attack on the people and land of Israel. The violent acts perpetrated by the Iranian backed Hamas terrorist organization are horrendous and must be condemned by civilized people everywhere.

Israel is facing a harrowing and unparalleled attack. Since the early morning hours, more than 5,000 rockets and missiles have been fired from the Gaza Strip, indiscriminately targeting civilians and sending millions of Israelis into shelters. Unknown numbers of heavily armed terrorists have infiltrated towns and villages in southern Israel, horrifically massacring hundreds of Israelis, including women, children, and the elderly, and injuring thousands more. Numerous Israeli civilians have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from their homes and forcibly taken to captivity in Gaza, including women and children.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated: “Citizens of Israel, we are at war. Not an operation, not a round [of fighting,] at war! This morning Hamas initiated a murderous surprise attack against the state of Israel and its citizens.”

While this war continues to unfold, and while we wait to see how Israel will respond, we mourn those who have been lost and pray for the quick and full recovery of those who have been injured.

We unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and terror against the State of Israel. The deliberate targeting of innocent civilians and the use of human shields by Hamas is reprehensible and must be condemned by the international community, especially as Israel works to defend itself against these attacks.

SPME’s stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and express our unwavering support for their right to defend themselves against these heinous attacks.