Aftermath of terror attack on bus in Tel Aviv. Photo: Screenshot

Western allies are standing strongly behind Israel following the terrorist attack on a bus in Tel Aviv that injured several dozen people.

With President Obama traveling in Asia, the White House issued a statement condemning the bombing saying “attacks against innocent Israeli civilians are outrageous.”

“The United States reaffirms our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security and our deep friendship and solidarity with the Israeli people,” the statement concluded.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon issued a statement saying he was “shocked” by the attack and condemns it “in the strongest possible terms,” according to the Jerusalem Post.

“There are no circumstances that justify the targeting of civilians,” he said.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius also condemned the Tel Aviv attack “in the strongest terms” and said “targeting civilians at a time when everything must be done to reach a cease-fire.” Similar sentiments were echoed by the British Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Meanwhile, separately the German embassy stated that it will give NIS 250,000 to Natal, Israel’s Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War.

Russia’s foreign ministry called the attack a “criminal terrorist act.”

The strong international support Israel is receiving, especially from European allies, is a far cry from the reaction during Operation Cast Lead in 2008. Analysts credit Israel’s strong emphasis on reducing civilian casualties in bombing, reluctance for a ground invasion and a massive public relations campaign for the international support it has garnered. The support may prove beneficial for the upcoming Palestinian UN membership vote on Nov. 29.