The United States condemns attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel, and supports Israel's right to defend itself, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday.

"There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks," Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department.

"We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel's right to defend itself," Blinken said.