US, UN condemn Gaza rocket attacks on Israel

The U.S. Department of State and the United Nations condemned rocket attacks launched Wednesday from Gaza into Israel.

At least 30 rockets fired from Gaza struck Israel Wednesday night in the biggest attack since 2012. Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility.

State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki issued a statement about the attack and calling for the cessation of terrorist attacks.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s rocket attacks into Israel by terrorists from the Gaza Strip. It is reprehensible that dozens of rockets have been fired today alone. There is no justification for such attacks. We call for these terrorist attacks to cease immediately. Israel, like any nation, has a right to defend itself."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged "all actors to exercise maximum restraint" in the aftermath of the attack.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the multiple rocket attacks today on Israel from Gaza, for which Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility. While reports of damage and injuries are still being ascertained, the Secretary-General deplores the severe escalation of violence. He urges all actors to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further incidents that could bring greater escalation and destabilisation in the region."

[State Department] [United Nations]