Rishi Sunak: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Israel on Thursday on a two-day visit to the Middle East for talks with regional leaders in an effort to prevent further escalation of the Hamas-Israel conflict and emphasize humanitarian aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip. As soon as Rishi Sunak reached Tel Aviv, he posted on ‘X’ and said, “I am in Israel, a country which is in mourning right now. I am also saddened with you and stand with you today, and always, against the evil of terrorism.
I am in Israel, a nation in grief.
I grieve with you and stand with you against the evil that is terrorism.
Today, and always.
σός pic.twitter.com/DTcvkkLqdT
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 19, 2023
Before Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden had visited Israel. After the unexpected attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza on October 7, leaders of many countries have intensified efforts to prevent the conflict with Hamas from spreading to the wider region. During his visit to Israel, Sunak will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog to express his condolences to the civilians killed in the conflict, before visiting the capitals of other major countries in the Middle East.
To have a child taken from you is a parent’s worst nightmare.
This morning I heard from families going through this unbearable agony.
Working with our partners, we’re determined to secure the release of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/F7AV021o9x
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 19, 2023
Upon arriving in Israel, Rishi Sunak told reporters, “Above all, I have come here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people. You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that Britain and I stand with you.” In an earlier statement, the British Prime Minister said Tuesday at the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza. The attack on 2017 should be a ‘significant event’ for the world. “The death of every civilian is a tragedy,” he said. Many people lost their lives after the horrific terrorist act by Hamas.
I’ve just met the President @Isaac_Herzog and conveyed my gratitude for the support provided to British nationals caught up in the terror attacks.
Together we agreed on the importance of getting urgent humanitarian support to ordinary Palestinians in Gaza who are also suffering. pic.twitter.com/SouO8wRj4o
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 19, 2023
Rishi Sunak’s visit comes at a time when European leaders are also making similar trips to West Asia to show solidarity with Western countries. Sunak’s visit coincides with British Foreign Minister James Cleverley’s visit to various countries in West Asia as part of efforts to prevent the spread of conflict across the region and work towards a peaceful resolution.
Live now: Statement with Prime Minister @netanyahu following our meeting today ⬇️https://t.co/5WFoRVNR0n
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 19, 2023
Cleverly will meet with senior leaders in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar over the next three days to discuss coordinating efforts to prevent violence that has devastated the wider region. “It’s not in anyone’s best interest,” Cleverly said. Neither the Israelis, nor the Palestinians, nor the broader Middle East want others to be drawn into this conflict. “I am meeting with counterparts from influential countries in the region to work together to emphasize peace and stability, facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza, and ensure the release of hostages.”
Britain has said its main focus is on pushing for an agreement on humanitarian access to Gaza, the release of British hostages and foreign nationals and ensuring safe passage for British citizens to leave Gaza. Israel is likely to launch a possible ground offensive on Gaza against Hamas for attacking the country.
Source: Language Input
