Sunak to chair emergency meeting as Israel conflict intensifies
Rishi Sunak will hold a Cobra meeting later on Monday as the death toll rises amid ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza following the attack by Hamas.
The Prime Minister said he would be convening an emergency meeting, as the Foreign Office works to offer support where needed amid fierce fighting in the region.
At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel and more than 400 have been killed in Gaza, over two days after Hamas launched its unprecedented attack.
Among the dead is 20-year-old Nathanel Young, a Briton serving in the Israeli Defence Services who died at the Gaza border on Saturday.
It comes as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip after declaring war and vowing to destroy the “military and governing capabilities” of Hamas.
Mr Sunak said that the UK was in “close dialogue” with Israel over any support it needed, after holding a phone call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
“We already have a very long-standing relationship with Israel, we’re one of their strongest allies.
“We’ve provided in the past the kinds of equipment that they’ve used to defend themselves over the past couple of days.
“And as I said to the Prime Minister, we will continue to provide – whether that’s diplomatic, intelligence or security support – as they need.
“I’m chairing a Cobra with my ministerial colleagues this afternoon, when we’ll continue to discuss the situation, but we’re in close dialogue with our Israeli counterparts.”
Two other UK nationals – 26-year-old Jake Marlowe, who went to the same London school as Mr Young, and photographer Dan Darlington – are believed to be missing.
The Government is helping the families of several individuals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it is understood.
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the region due to the conflict.
Published: by Radio NewsHub