LONDON - In a significant diplomatic move, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to touch down in Israel today. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold crucial meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, as part of his broader engagement with regional leaders.
The primary focus of Sunak's visit is to express his condolences for the tragic loss of life that occurred in Israel and Gaza following the October 7 attack carried out by Gaza-based Palestinian Hamas militants. Sunak's official statement ahead of his visit underscores the importance of preventing further escalations in the ongoing conflict.
Sunak said, "Every civilian death is a tragedy. And too many lives have been lost following Hamas’ horrific act of terror." His visit is aimed at emphasizing the critical need to prevent further loss of life and to address the root causes of the conflict.
Furthermore, Sunak is expected to highlight the recent catastrophic explosion at a Gaza hospital, which claimed the lives of hundreds of Palestinians. He views this incident as a potential turning point for regional leaders and the international community, calling for a collective effort to avoid any dangerous escalation of the conflict. The United Kingdom, he pledged, will be at the forefront of these diplomatic endeavors.
In addition to conveying his concerns, Sunak will urge the immediate establishment of a humanitarian aid route into Gaza and the safe evacuation of British nationals who find themselves in the midst of the conflict. Tragically, at least seven British citizens have lost their lives, and nine remain missing since the attack on Israel.
Parallel to Sunak's visit, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who recently visited Israel, will embark on a diplomatic journey of his own. He will travel to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar over the next three days to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict peacefully. This underscores the United Kingdom's commitment to finding a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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