UK condemns 'horrific act of terrorism' as PM Rishi Sunak meets with his Israeli Counterpart
- In Reports
- 06:39 PM, Oct 19, 2023
- Myind Staff
In a diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently conducted a private meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at his office in Jerusalem. This high-level interaction underscores the importance of international dialogue and cooperation between the two leaders.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently holding a private meeting with British Prime Minister @RishiSunak at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. The leaders will also hold an expanded meeting, at the conclusion of which they will issue statements to the media,” as per the Israeli Prime Minister’s official handle on ‘X’.
Herzog emphasized that in the midst of challenging times, it becomes evident who genuinely stands as Israel's steadfast ally. He posted on the Social media platform ‘X’, “Thank you Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak for coming to Israel and for your support and firm stand by the Israeli people. It is time to express a clear moral voice – this is a battle for the values of all humanity. The world needs to understand that if we do not prevent Hamas and other terrorist organizations from carrying out murderous and criminal attacks – they will not stop with Israel.”
Meanwhile, Sunak said: “I’ve just met 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.”
Upon his arrival, he said, “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.”
The British Prime Minister extended his support by meeting with families who have tragically had their loved ones separated from them as a consequence of the ongoing conflict.
“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,” he wrote on ‘X’.
Prior to his journey to Israel, the British Prime Minister made the following statement, “Every civilian death is a tragedy. And too many lives have been lost following Hamas’s horrific act of terror.”
“The attack on Al Ahli Hospital should be a watershed moment for leaders in the region and across the world to come together to avoid further dangerous escalation of conflict,” added the statement.
The Israel Defense Forces verified that an explosion near the hospital in Gaza was the result of a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
“According to our intelligence, Hamas checked the reports, understood it was an Islamic Jihad rocket that had misfired–and decided to launch a global media campaign to hide what really happened,” explained IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
“They went as far as inflating the number of casualties. They understood, with absolute certainty, that it was a rocket misfired by Islamic Jihad that damaged the hospital,” he added.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to Israel follows U.S. President Joe Biden's recent trip, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron also scheduled to visit.
Since the October 7 Hamas attack, 4,629 wounded have been evacuated to hospitals, with 12 fatalities, 279 in serious condition, 764 in moderate condition, and 3,188 with minor injuries. Additionally, 239 people experienced anxiety, and 145 were hospitalized for medical evaluation.
Amid the looming prospect of a ground offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli tanks have been positioned near the southern border; awaiting authorization. The presence of Israeli tanks and troops on armored vehicles in the area suggests the possibility of an imminent ground assault on Hamas in Gaza.
In response to the launch of rockets from Lebanese territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted four out of nine rockets and retaliated by targeting the launch site in Lebanon. Israeli forces also used tank fire to strike at Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure. Additionally, the IDF claimed to have thwarted and dismantled a terrorist cell using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Image source: Times of India
Comments