Governor Ned Lamont today directed US and State of Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff in recognition and in mourning of the lives lost from the recent terrorist attacks in Israel, which have killed hundreds of people, most of them civilians.

More than 1,800 lives have already been claimed on both sides since the weekend, and perhaps hundreds more, according to the Associated Press.

Flags should be lowered effective immediately and remain lowered through sunset on Saturday, October 14. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

“These attacks in Israel are dehumanizing, vicious, and abhorrent, and we indisputably condemn these acts of terrorism against innocent civilians,” Lamont said October 10. “Our hearts break for those facing this terror. Connecticut stands in solidarity with the people of Israel, and we are praying for lasting peace for the entire region.”

The war began after Hamas militants stormed into Israel on Saturday, bringing gunbattles to its streets for the first time in decades.

The unprecedented surprise attack occurred on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War, a surprise attack by Isreal’s Arab neighbors that began on October 6, 1973. Israel calls the war The Yom Kippur War, as the blitz began on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

The White House said Saturday that it “unequivocally condemns” the Hamas attacks.

“We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” said Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the National Security Council.

“The US unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism.”