SUNAK CALLS FOR END TO WAR IN GAZA

PM ‘shocked and appalled’ by killing of British heroes

- Jonathan Walker

RISHI Sunak last night demanded an end to the brutal war in Gaza, saying Britain was “shocked by the bloodshed”. 

In a dramatic intervention, the PM said the whole country had been “appalled by the killing of brave British heroes” and demanded an immediate ceasefire.

His tough stance will pile yet more pressure on Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has already been told to stop attacks in a UN resolution backed by 153 world leaders.

In a blunt message to Britain’s allies in Israel, Mr Sunak said: “This terrible conflict must end.”

Speaking six months after horrific attacks by terror group Hamas started the fighting, he stressed that Israel had a right to defend itself and called for the release of hostages still held by the terrorists.

But he also highlighted the deaths of three British aid workers – John Chapman, 57, James Kirby, 47, and James “Jim” Henderson, 33. They were among seven killed in air strikes carried out by the Israel Defense Forces on a World Central Kitchen convoy on Monday.

“The whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need,” Mr Sunak said.

He added: “Today marks six months since the terrorist outrage of 7th October – the most appalling attack in Israel’s history, the worst loss of Jewish life since the Second

World War. Six months later, Israeli wounds are still unhealed. Families still mourn and hostages are still held by Hamas.