'Stand With You': UK PM Rishi Sunak Amid Trip To Israel As War With Hamas Rages On

On Thursday, 19th October the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, arrived in Israel to express solidarity with a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating attack carried out by Hamas militants on 7th October. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As Israel's response to the Gaza conflict escalates, Rishi Sunak's office has announced that he will offer condolences for the loss of life in both Israel and the Palestinian enclave. Furthermore, he will advocate for de-escalation in the region.

"I am here, first and foremost, to express my unwavering support for the Israeli people. You have endured an unspeakable and horrific act of terrorism, and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I stand with you," Rishi Sunak stated to Israeli reporters upon his arrival as quoted by Reuters.

In an early statement, Rishi Sunak emphasized that the Gaza hospital blast on Tuesday, 17th October, which resulted in a significant number of Palestinian casualties, should serve as a pivotal moment for leaders in the region and worldwide to come together and prevent further dangerous escalation of conflict. He added that Britain would take a leading role in these efforts.

Rishi Sunak will also advocate for the establishment of a pathway to facilitate the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza from Egypt and to facilitate the safe evacuation of British nationals who are currently trapped in Gaza.

Amidst the deepening Israel-Hamas conflict, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that limited humanitarian aid would be permitted into Gaza from Egypt. This decision followed a reported request from US President Joe Biden during his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, 18th October. The request came hours after an explosion in a Gazan hospital, which claimed the lives of hundreds, including women, children, and civilians.