The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy have expressed support for Israel and its right to defend itself from attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke by phone on Monday.

Their joint statement expresses their "steadfast and united support to the State of Israel" and "unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism."

The leaders stressed their countries will "support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities." They say the five countries will remain "united and coordinated."