Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Arrives In Israel For Talks

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives at Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak landed in Israel on Thursday for pivotal talks with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

The visit follows a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Netanyahu, which took place a day prior in Tel Aviv.

On arrival, Sunak began by expressing his solidarity with Israel. Sunak stated: “Above all, I’m here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people. You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I stand with you.”

Tensions remain heightened as the Israeli bombardment and siege continues, but particularly in the wake of the devastating explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Arab hospital, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The Israeli military claims a misfired rocket from the militant group, Islamic Jihad, was the cause, though the group refutes this and blames a targeted Israeli strike.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that Sunak will also visit other regional leaders in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar.

Sunak’s visit aims to expedite humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza via Egypt and assist in the evacuation of trapped UK nationals.