Israeli, Palestinian leaders condemn Paris attack

Israeli and Palestinian leaders -- including the Islamist movement Hamas -- on Saturday condemned the wave of attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group that killed at least 128 people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country stood side by side with France, while Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said he was shocked and angered.

Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip but is considered a "terrorist" organisation by both the United States and European Union, also condemned the attacks.

Marches in solidarity with France were taking place in Tel Aviv and Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

The IS group claimed responsibility for Friday night's attacks which French President Francois Hollande condemned as an "act of war".

"Israel will be on France's side in the fight against terrorism," Netanyahu said in a statement late Friday.

A senior official said Saturday the premier had ordered his security services to supply "any assistance" requested by France in its efforts to catch those responsible.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said the country would stand with France "in your uncompromising struggle against terrorism".

Abbas said: "Our people are deeply shocked and angered, but mostly saddened by these events aimed at hitting civil life in the wonderful city of Paris."

Bassem Naim, head of the Hamas Council of International Relations, told AFP the group condemned "the acts of aggression and barbarity", while Islamic Jihad called it a crime "against innocent people".

Israel lowered flags to half mast, and in Tel Aviv Israelis were attending an event attended by French Ambassador Patrick Maisonnave.

In Ramallah, a gathering was due to take place outside the French cultural centre.

Hosam Zomlot, an official with Abbas's Fatah party and one of the organisers, said protesters would carry candles and raise the French flag in central Ramallah.

"This is totally and utterly unacceptable and condemned in the hearts of all Palestinians," he told AFP of the attack.
Source: AFP