Today, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) issued the following statement regarding the devastating surprise attack on Israel in the early morning of Saturday, October 7, 2023 carried out by the Palestinian political and militant organization, Hamas. The death toll and the number of injured individuals continue to rise, leaving a trail of devastation. The majority of those affected were innocent civilians killed in their residences, on public roads, and attending an outdoor dance party. Numerous Israeli citizens and a few foreigners were seized and taken to Gaza as hostages.

Assemblyman Thiele said, “I strongly condemn the recent devastating attacks on Israel and Israeli citizens by the Palestinian political and militant organization, Hamas. Such acts of violence and terror only serve to escalate tensions in the region, causing harm to innocent civilians. I stand in unwavering support and solidarity of Israel's right to defend itself and protect its citizens from acts of terrorism. It is imperative for all parties involved to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts to achieve lasting stability and peace in the region.”