Hallel, pictured with her mother,
Hallel, pictured with her mother,Courtesy of the family

International condolences and support flooded in in the wake of Hallel Uriel's murder this morning. Hallel Uriel was stabbed multiple times in her bed by a 17 year-old terrorist, who was shot at the scene of the crime by security personnel.

The US State Department declared, “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the outrageous terrorist attack this morning...This brutal act of terrorism is simply unconscionable. We extend our deepest condolences to her family. We also understand another individual who was responding to the attack was wounded by the attacker. We extend our hopes for a quick and full recovery.”

The German Foreign Office, in a rare gesture, issued a statement in Hebrew: “No religion, no political conflict and no personal frustration can justify the malicious murder of a sleeping child,” the ministry continued. “All those responsible for decision making in the region must act together to eradicate the hatred that is filling people’s heads and to promote human values.”

“The stabbing of a 13-year-old girl is a new record in atrocious and cruel acts,” the statement concluded.

UK Ambassador to Israel David Quarrey similarly denounced the incident.

“Condemn today’s horrific terrorist attack,” he tweeted. “Can be no possible justification for murder of 13 year old girl in her bed.”

Head of the EU's delegation in Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, also wrote, “Strongly condemn terror murder of Hallel Yaffa Ariel in Kiryat Arba this morning. No excuse for terrorism – LFA”

Although the words are simple, these powerful statements of solidarity with Israel are a rarity in the international forum.