Arriving in Israel amidst a climate of escalated tensions and humanitarian crisis, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is on a mission for the urgent delivery of aid to Gaza. His diplomatic journey follows in the wake of President Biden, a string of consequential visits by world leaders united in the aim to preclude an escalation of this Hamas-rooted conflict.
Scheduled to convene with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, on Thursday, Sunak is also slated to journey to various regional capitals in the following days. He intends to express empathy for the civilian lives lost during the ongoing hostilities, asserting, “Every civilian death is a tragedy,” and further condemning the “horrific act of terror” by Hamas, which has led to significant loss of life.
The Prime Minister’s travel plans remained unconfirmed until Wednesday evening, despite conjectures of his impending trip to Israel earlier in the week. Concurrently, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will hold dialogues with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar’s influencers in a bid for a peaceful resolution in Israel and Gaza. He will also urge for secured humanitarian access to Gaza and the liberation of British hostages held by Hamas.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps’ recent meeting with his US equivalent, Lloyd Austin, in Washington points to a coordinated approach to the situation. The British government is resolute to exhaust swiftly all available diplomatic measures to prevent Israel’s anticipated ground offensive in Gaza.
The intense diplomatic engagement by the UK ministers comes in the aftermath of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel. His tour, unfortunately, coincided with a lethal explosion at a Gaza City hospital, the cause of which has become a point of contention between Israeli and Palestinian officials.
In a pressing question-and-answer session on Wednesday, Sunak explained the investigatory measures the British intelligence services are undertaking to ascertain the perpetrators behind the blast while cautioning MPs about hasty judgements.
Later, Sunak affirmed in a statement, “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. I will ensure the UK is at the forefront of this effort.”
Amidst this evolving crisis, the city of London saw protesters convening at a vigil outside Downing Street, mourning those killed in the hospital explosion on the eve of Sunak’s departure. This display of unity was also echoed by King Charles’ passionate call for religious tolerance and respect in the face of the “international turmoil” present in Israel and Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially with anticipatory fear of an Israeli ground offensive, is worrisome. Bombardment of Gaza by Israeli warplanes and artillery has been continuous since the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in early October. The Israeli military air-strikes have claimed over 3,000 lives, further exacerbating the existing crisis caused by blockades of essential supplies by Israel.
An agreement to move humanitarian aid from Egypt into Gaza was reportedly reached with Israel, as announced by President Biden. However, Israel asserts that no aid will pass through its territory until the release of hostages by Hamas. In response, Sunak assured that the UK is working “round the clock” to secure the release of the hostages.
Altogether, seven British nationals are confirmed dead following the attack on Israel, and nine others remain missing.
