UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Israel on Thursday for a visit aimed at addressing the recent conflict and offering condolences for the lives lost in Israel and Gaza. During his visit, he had planned meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. Afterward, he was scheduled to travel to other capitals in the region.
Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences for the loss of life resulting from the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas fighters. He emphasized the need to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region. In a statement before his visit, Sunak mentioned the tragedy of every civilian death and the loss of lives following Hamas’ act of terror.
He also highlighted a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital that took the lives of hundreds of Palestinians, underlining the significance of this event as a potential turning point. Sunak called on regional leaders and the global community to come together to prevent dangerous escalation. He pledged that the United Kingdom would be at the forefront of these efforts.
In a tweet during his visit, Rishi Sunak expressed his solidarity with Israel and his strong stance against terrorism. He mentioned his grief for the nation and its people, vowing to stand with them in the face of terrorism.
Additionally, the United States President, Joe Biden, announced that Egypt had agreed to open the Rafah crossing into Gaza to allow humanitarian aid trucks to pass. However, due to necessary road repairs at the crossing, the shipment was expected to be delayed until Friday.
The recent conflict began when Hamas attacked Israeli cities on October 7, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Israel responded with extensive bombardments in Gaza, leading to numerous deaths. The situation has also involved the taking of hostages.
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Rishi Sunak met with the families of the hostages taken by Hamas and expressed his commitment to work with partners to secure their release. He acknowledged the anguish that parents experience when a child is taken from them and emphasized his determination to address this distressing situation.
