UK PM Rishi Sunak holds flurry of phone calls with world leaders over Israel-Gaza conflict

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has held a series of phone calls with world leaders in an effort to avert a wider conflict in the Middle East amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Sunak spoke to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to discuss the crisis and areas of cooperation, including ensuring safe passage for aid to Gaza and securing the release of hostages.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has held a series of phone calls with world leaders in an effort to avert a wider conflict in the Middle East, amid the ongoing crisis between Israel and Gaza. In a call with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Sunak discussed the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He followed up with a call to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to discuss areas of cooperation between the UK and Qatar, including ensuring safe passage for aid to Gaza and securing the release of hostages.

Sunak Condemns Hamas Terrorist Attack

Sunak strongly condemned the Hamas terrorist attack and expressed the UK's support for Israel and its efforts to protect Palestinian civilians and British nationals caught up in the violence. He also updated the Cabinet on the UK's response to the attacks and reiterated the UK's commitment to supporting Palestinian civilians and taking steps to combat antisemitism at home.

UK PM May Visit Middle East

According to unconfirmed reports, Sunak may follow in the footsteps of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden by visiting the Middle East as part of a broader regional visit, which could include stops in Jordan and Egypt.

British Sister Believed to Have Died in Hamas Attack

In a tragic development, one of two British sisters who were reported missing after the Hamas attack on Israel is believed to have died. Yahel Sharabi, 13, and Noiya Sharabi, 16, disappeared from Beeri kibbutz after it was raided. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Yahel has been killed.

Multiple Britons Killed and Missing

Sunak previously informed the House of Commons that at least six Britons were killed and another 10 are missing in the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, which escalated the conflict in the region.

The UK government is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to help resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Prime Minister Sunak's phone calls with world leaders and his condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attack reflect the UK's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The UK is also providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and supporting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to statehood. The tragic death of a British teenager in the conflict highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.