The United States Office for Palestinian Affairs called on Israelis to “refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks” in response to Hamas attacking Israel — then deleted the message.
“We unequivocally condemn the attack of Hamas terrorists and the loss of life that has incurred. We urge all sides to refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks. Terror and violence solve nothing,” the office posted Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Why is @JoeBiden administration telling Israel not to respond to the horrific evil being perpetrated by Palestinian terrorists?” Etan Fischberger asked on X.
After deleting the message, the office wrote it was “monitoring” the situation.
“The U.S. Embassy is closely monitoring the security situation as a result of rockets fired from Gaza across southern and central Israel. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness,” according to the subsequent post on X.
Follow along with The Post’s live blog for the latest on Hamas’ attack on Israel
Later, the account reposted a statement from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemning the attack.
“We unequivocally condemn the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” the statement said.
The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel at daybreak, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea, catching the country off guard on a major holiday.