Countries around the world are denouncing North Korea for its artillery attack on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong on Tuesday.

In an unprecedentedly strong-worded statement, the European Union on Tuesday said it condemns the North’s violation of the Korean War Armistice and vowed full support for the South Korean government in handling the incident.

Germany criticized the North for threatening peace in Northeast Asia and the world.

Britain and France also strongly denounced the North’s attack on the island in the Yellow Sea.

Israel took issue with the North Korean government over the attack while the United Arab Emirates called the North’s move an irresponsible provocation.

Australia said the attack threatened security in the Asia-Pacific region.