UK Prime Minister to Urge Middle East Leaders to Avoid Escalation Following Israel-Hamas Conflict

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will embark on a two-day trip to the Middle East to meet with leaders and discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Sunak arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday morning, where he appeared alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a press briefing. During the briefing, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the UK's support, stating that the country is backing Israel in its "darkest hour," just as the "civilized world" did for the UK during World War II.

Netanyahu emphasized the need for unity and continued support in what he called a "long war," urging the UK and other nations to stand with Israel. Sunak echoed this sentiment, expressing his solidarity with the Israeli people and condemning the act of terrorism they have endured. He also stressed the importance of avoiding further dangerous escalation in the region, as too many lives have already been lost.

The visit comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden's arrival in Israel, where he called on Israel not to be consumed by rage and to avoid repeating the mistakes made after the 9/11 attacks. Biden's trip is seen as a diplomatic effort to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a larger crisis.

The trip by Sunak and Biden follows a deadly blast at a Gaza City hospital, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. Hamas blamed Israel for the strike, while Israel pointed the finger at Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another militant group operating in Gaza. PIJ has denied responsibility for the blast. British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat emphasized that British intelligence services are still working to establish the facts surrounding the incident and warned against irresponsible speculation.

The hospital deaths sparked protests across the Middle East, including in Jordan and Beirut, where demonstrators clashed with security forces near the US embassy. The UK's Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance to Lebanon, advising against all travel to the country and urging British nationals to leave while commercial options are still available.

During his trip, Sunak will urge Middle East leaders to open routes for humanitarian aid into Gaza and allow those trapped in the territory to leave. The Prime Minister's Office said he will share his condolences for the lives lost in the conflict and call for a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will also travel to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to meet with leaders and promote calm and stability in the region.

The trip by Sunak and Cleverly reflects the UK's commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution and preventing the conflict from spreading. Sunak's visit coincides with the Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire by-election contests in the UK, where the Conservative Party is battling to hold onto seats that were once considered safe.

Sunak's trip aims to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of efforts to deescalate the conflict and provide humanitarian aid to those affected. The Prime Minister emphasized that every civilian death is a tragedy and called for leaders in the region and across the world to come together to avoid further dangerous escalation.