RISHI SUNAK held talks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu today with hopes rising that desperately needed aid will be allowed into Gaza ahead of a looming ground invasion.
Shortly after arriving in Tel Aviv, Mr Sunak stressed his “solidarity with Israeli people who have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism” after more than 1,400 people were slaughtered by Hamas on October 7.
During a two-day trip, the Prime Minister was also set to meet other leaders in the Middle East. He was expected to highlight the need to “avoid further dangerous escalation”, saying that “too many lives have been lost”.
The death toll in Gaza, which Israeli is targeting with waves of air strikes, was reported to have already risen above 3,000. Mr Sunak’s visit comes after the US president was in Israel yesterday on a diplomatic mission to prevent fighting from spiralling into a larger crisis.
Joe Biden gave “steadfast” backing to Israel but also warned against being “consumed by” rage and making the same “mistakes” the US did after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The president’s trip appeared to herald a breakthrough, with Mr Netanyahu’s office announcing it had approved a request from Mr Biden to allow Egypt to deliver limited quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where water and food are becoming scarce.
This story is from the October 19, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 19, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
