Reactions to shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Israeli embassy staffers were killed by a lone gunman in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, officials have said.

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Below are reactions from Israel, the United States and other parts of the world.

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER

"We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost.

"My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer."

GIDEON SAAR, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER

"This is a direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world that has been going on since the October 7 massacre."

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT

"These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!"

KAJA KALLAS, EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF

"Shocked by the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC. There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Israel."

JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER

"The murder of two members of the Israeli embassy near the Jewish Museum in Washington is an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity. Nothing can justify such violence.

"My thoughts go to their loved ones, their colleagues, and the State of Israel."

JOHANN WADEPHUL, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER

"Nothing can justify antisemitic violence. I am shocked by the dastardly murder of two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington."

ANTONIO TAJANI, ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

"I stand with the State of Israel for the tragic murder of two young employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington. Scenes of terror and violence to be strongly condemned. antisemitism born of hatred against Jews must be stopped, the horrors of the past can never return."

CASPAR VELDKAMP, DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTER

"Shocking news that two Israeli Embassy staff were killed in Washington DC. I condemn this antisemitic attack in the strongest possible terms and support U.S. investigative efforts. Violence and hate can never be justified."

LARS LOKKE RASMUSSEN, DANISH FOREIGN MINISTER

"Horrified by the overnight killing of two Israeli embassy employees at the Jewish Museum in Washington, which I strongly condemn. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones."

MICHEAL MARTIN, IRISH PRIME MINISTER

"I strongly condemn the horrific gun attack that killed two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC last night. My deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the couple, and the Israeli people. There can be absolutely no place for violence or hate."

UKRAINE'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

"We are shocked by the news of the appalling killing of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Our thoughts are with the victims' families and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded."

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Alex Richardson)