Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the terror attack in the central Israel city of Elad on Thursday, stating that "the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians only leads to a further deterioration of the situation at a time when we all strive to achieve stability and prevent escalation."
Abbas warned against using the attack as a reason to "carry out attacks and reactions" against Palestinians and condemned "continuous attacks against our people and their Islamic and Christian holy sites, which created an atmosphere of tension and instability."
The PA president stated that "the cycle of violence confirms that permanent, comprehensive and just peace is the shortest and sound way to provide security and stability for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and the peoples of the region."
The Palestinian Authority head was one of several high-profile political and diplomatic figures to condemn the attack.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement Thursday night condemning the terror attack in Elad.
"We vehemently condemn the terrorist attack in Elad, Israel, which killed at least three and wounded many others," Blinken said in a statement.
"This was a horrific attack targeting innocent men and women, and was particularly heinous coming as Israel celebrated its Independence Day," he said. "Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those killed, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery."
He went on to say that the State Department remains in close contact with its Israeli peers "and stand[s] firmly with them in the face of this attack."
"May the memory of those who passed be a blessing," Blinken added.
US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides condemned the attack as well, tweeting "Heartbreaking end to Yom HaAtzmaut in Elad. I share the grief of families of those murdered in the terrorist attack & wish speedy recovery to the wounded. This must STOP!"
Condemnation also came from the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel.
"Israel keeps paying for its independence with human lives," the embassy wrote on Facebook on Friday. "Yesterday's terrorist attack in Elad at the end of [Independence Day] took the lives of the innocent victims, again.
"Terrorism and violence should be stopped immediately," the embassy continued.
"There should be no mercy for terrorists, either they are persons or organizations or states. Our deep condolences to the families of the deceased and we pray for a full recovery of the wounded."
It is deplorable that #Hamas and others continue to glorify and encourage such attacks, which undermine the possibility of a peaceful future for both #Palestine|ians and #Israel|is. All must condemn violence and stand up to terror.
— Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) May 5, 2022
Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, condemned the terrorist attack, saying "It is deplorable that #Hamas and others continue to glorify and encourage such attacks, which undermine the possibility of a peaceful future for both #Palestine|ians and #Israel|is. All must condemn violence and stand up to terror."
Appalled by another terror attack in Israel, targeting innocent people as they celebrate their Independence Day. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.The UK stands with the Israeli people against terrorism.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) May 5, 2022
"Appalled by another terror attack in Israel, targeting innocent people as they celebrate their Independence Day," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted.
Similar remarks were shared by UK Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan, who noted: "The UK stands with Israel against terrorism."
Horrified by reports of another brutal attack in Elad in central Israel that killed several people as Independence Day came to a close. This kind of cowardly violence will never win! Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
— Dimiter Tzantchev (@DTzantchev) May 5, 2022
"This kind of cowardly violence will never win!" EU Ambassador to Israel Dimiter Tzantchev said. "Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured."
"While celebrating the anniversary of their state's independence, Israelis were once again struck by a despicable terrorist attack yesterday in Elad," tweeted French President Emmanuel Macron, adding "our thoughts are with the victims and their families."
"Horrified to learn of the latest attacks, this time at Elad on Israel’s Independence Day," Australian Ambassador to Israel Paul Griffiths tweeted. "Thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. Australia stands against terrorism."
Horrified about yet another terror attack in #Elad claiming at least three victims on #Israel‘s independence day. Such acts are horrifying and completely unacceptable. #Austria stands united with Israel in fighting the scourge of terrorism.
— Alexander Schallenberg (@a_schallenberg) May 5, 2022
"Horrified about yet another terror attack in Elad claiming at least three victims on Israel‘s independence day," noted Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. "Such acts are horrifying and completely unacceptable. #Austria stands united with Israel in fighting the scourge of terrorism."
This is a developing story.
Anna Ahronheim and Tzvi Joffre contributed to this report.