PRAGUE: The Czech government Saturday condemned Hamas for launching “terrorist attacks” on Prague’s traditional ally Israel, which has accused the Palestinian militant group of launching war.
The Czech Republic and the former Czechoslovakia which preceded it have historically ranked among Israel’s staunchest allies.
“I condemn the terrorist attacks on Israel,” Czech prime minister Petr Fiala said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“My thoughts are with the innocent victims of the violence and I wish our friends in Israel the swiftest possible handling of the situation and the fulfilment of their ambitions to live in peace and security.”
“The Czech Republic has always stood and will stand fully with Israel,” he added.
Fiala’s office said a meeting in Prague, led by Fiala and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and due on Monday had been cancelled.
The meeting was due to focus on bilateral issues including political and economic ties and cooperation in security, research and health care.
The Czech foreign ministry slammed the Hamas attack as an “unacceptable escalation”.
“Resolutely condemning terrorist infiltration of Israel across Gaza border and massive rocket attacks launched this morning from Gaza on Israel,” it said on X.