![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/George-bush-Israel-9-11-us-1-5011399.jpg?r=1697229012671\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
George W. Bush has called on the US to support Israel, with \u201cno ands, ifs or buts\u201d.<\/p>\n
The former President was asked for his thoughts on the war after Hamas launched an attack over the weekend widely compared to the 9\/11 terror attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy thoughts were that we need to support Israel,\u201d Bush said. \u201cNo ands, ifs or buts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an unprovoked attack by terrorists, people willing to kill innocent people to achieve an objective.\u201d<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/George-bush-Israel-9-11-us-2-5011400.jpg?r=1697229012716\")
<\/p>\n
Speaking to historian Mark Updegrove, as reported by Axios, Bush added: \u201cHamas is a political organisation. They do not reflect the majority of the Palestinians.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be surprised if Israel takes whatever action is necessary to defend herself. And it\u2019s gonna be ugly for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former President also added: \u201c[Israel has] a very seasoned military but they just called up 300,000 reservists\u2026and to the extent they\u2019d be put in harm\u2019s way it\u2019s gonna be awfully difficult on the prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] but he\u2019s got to do what he\u2019s got to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re dealing with cold-blooded killers. And you can make all kinds of excuses why they are but they are and [Netanyahu\u2019s] job is to protect his country.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd anyway, we\u2019ll find out what he\u2019s made of.\u201d<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/George-bush-Israel-9-11-us-3-5011401.jpg?r=1697229012783\")
<\/p>\n
The US has already sent a second US carrier strike group to Israel, just a day after the USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will also arrive in Israel today to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss what else the US can provide.<\/p>\n
It comes as more than a million Palestinians in Gaza City fled to the south of the Strip after Israel gave them 24 hours to evacuate.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped leaflets calling on residents to leave, which said: \u201cCivilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n About 1.1 million people out Gaza\u2019s two million plus live in the northern part of the enclave, which includes Gaza City and its outskirts.<\/p>\n The IDF added: \u201cThis evacuation is for your own safety. You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made.\u201d<\/p>\n Hamas officials say that 70 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on convoys fleeing Gaza City today.<\/p>\n Follow our social media accounts here on <\/b>facebook.com\/ExpressUSNews<\/b> and @ExpressUSNews<\/b><\/p>\n
France declares emergency alert for entire nation as imminent attack feared<\/strong>
Inside Hamas\u2019 secret underground tunnels where militants plan attacks in Israel<\/strong>
Sick messages sent from phone of Shani Louk’s boyfriend after Israel abduction<\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/George-bush-Israel-9-11-us-4-5011402.jpg?r=1697229012835\")
<\/p>\n