LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Britain's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak (L), greets Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Downing Street on March 24, 2023 in London, England. Benjamin Netanyahu visits London against a backdrop of unrest at home. Protests are being held weekly across Israel against legislation being pushed through the Knesset by his government to restrain the judiciary.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for Israel to protect "ordinary Palestinians" as they track down Hamas militants who killed hundreds of Israelis.
Sunak spoke and came to an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to support Tel Aviv after the Hamas attack.
Sunak, Netanyahu to Take Measures on Protecting People
According to The Independent, Sunak spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu to send Royal Navy vessels and Royal Air Force surveillance planes to help Tel Aviv.
Tal Heinrich, No 10 spokeswoman shared her phone call conversation with Sunak where he said, "The UK stands side by side with Israel in fighting terror."
Sunak added that Israel should never let Hamas harm the Israeli people once more when the United States reminded Israel how they defend themselves matters.
"Noting that Hamas has enmeshed itself in the civilian population in Gaza, the Prime Minister said it was important to take all possible measures to protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid," Heinrich said.
Furthermore, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented that Israel should prioritize taking every possible measure to avoid harming civilians.
UK Supports Tel Aviv Attack
The Israeli military attacked the Gaza Strip with missiles, likely increasing the death toll. The attack has resulted in almost 3,000 people dead. On Thursday, Tel Aviv said they will continue attacking the Hamas territory until militants release at least 150 hostages taken during the weekend.
According to Shropshire Star, Sunak said that Israel has the support of the UK and claimed that the attack was only an act of humanitarian movement. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi offered UK support to keep the Egypt-Gaza border open, allowing people to vacate the 25-mile strip as Israel strikes.
Shropshire Star also revealed that the military packages sent to the eastern Mediterranean, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels Lyme Bay and Argus, three Merlin helicopters, and a company of Royal Marines, are for contingency measures to back up stability in the Middle East.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy tweeted on 'X,' "Labour fully supports Israel's right to defend itself, rescue hostages and protect civilians, in line with international law."
Lammy added that there must be humanitarian access to Gaza for food, water, medicines, and electricity. The UK government has been organizing flights to help British nationals leave Israel.
According to the Foreign office, the first flight should have left on Thursday, but no departures were located. From the tragic killing events, Britain felt the intensity of the violence. The UK has also recorded more antisemitic incidents and anti-Muslim cases.
Heinrich claimed that £3 million ($3.66 million) in extra funding would supply the Jewish community with additional protection, with strengthened security at schools and buildings. With the ongoing Hamas conflict, the North London Jewish schools warned children to stay in their homes on Friday.
