ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered all flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff this week in a display of support for Israel following an attack by Hamas over the weekend.
The directive says flags will remain at half-staff now through sunset on Sunday, Oct. 14.
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will illuminate the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis in blue and white lights, the colors of the Israeli flag, through Friday night.
“Minnesota joins the nation in condemning the horrific acts of violence against Israeli civilians by Hamas,” Walz said in a statement. “The United States and Israel are united by a shared commitment to democracy, economic prosperity, and regional security. We will continue to stand in solidarity with Minnesota’s Jewish and Israeli community and work with the State Department to ensure the safety of Minnesotans at home and abroad.”
On Saturday, Oct. 7, Hamas militants invaded Israel from Gaza by land, by air and by sea. Since the first attacks, more than 2,200 people on both sides of the conflict, Israeli and Palestinian, have died, including 22 Americans.
In an address to the nation Tuesday, President Biden condemned the militant group for the “sheer evil” of its attack on Israel.
“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear," Biden said, adding, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”
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