The Attack and Casualties
Rishi Sunak reported that six British nationals were killed, and ten remain missing in connection with Hamas’ “pogrom”-style attack on Israel on Saturday.
At least six British nationals were killed, and ten more are missing in Hamas attack on Israel, according to information provided to MPs by Rishi Sunak.
Prime Minister’s Strong Words
The events that transpired last Saturday were labeled a “pogrom” by the prime minister, referring to a coordinated campaign of torture or mass murder against a significant number of individuals on the grounds of their race or religion.
The House of Commons was informed that almost 1,400 people had died, 3,500 were injured, and over 200 were captured.
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He stated that this included infants and the elderly who were “murdered, mutilated, and burned alive.”
“It ought to be referred to as what it truly was: a pogrom,” declared the prime minister.
Mr. Sunak said “many of the deceased are difficult to identify due to the dreadful nature of these attacks.”
“A further 10 are missing, some of whom are feared to be among the dead,” according to him.
The prime minister stated that some of the missing persons’ relatives were present in parliament to observe his address, and that the United Kingdom is collaborating with Israel to determine the truth and provide “unimaginable pain” support to the families.
Efforts and International Response
He said eight flights have returned 500 British nationals from Israel, with more leaving in the following hours.
His words: “absolutely support Israel’s right to defend itself” by battling Hamas and liberating Gazan hostages under international law.
He acknowledged that Palestinians are “victims of Hamas as well” as he pledged £10 million in relief.
He said that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields and that Israel has bombed 2,600 Palestinians since the conflict began.
“Each innocent life is mourned,” stated the prime minister.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
This comes as apprehension regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza increases.
After conducting airstrikes in response to Hamas’s unexpected assault on October 7, Israel has issued an order for the evacuation of civilians residing in the northern region in anticipation of an impending attack.
Furthermore, in an effort to secure the release of hostages, it has further enforced already stringent blockades. In the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, hundreds of tonnes of aid from multiple nations have been stranded for days, pending an agreement that ensures their safe delivery to Gaza.
The United Nations has warned that its operations in the Gaza Strip are “on the verge of collapse” due to a lack of water, wheat, electricity, medication, and even body bags.
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated that Israel’s defense “must be conducted in accordance with international law. Civilians must not be targeted” as an “acute humanitarian crisis” unfolds.
He demanded the opening of corridors and humanitarian access, which would include supplying hospitals with food, water, electricity, and medications.
British officials have been exerting pressure on Egypt to open the Rafah border crossing with Gaza to facilitate the escape of Britons, dual nationals, and their spouses and children, and to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance to over two million individuals.
However, government expectations regarding the reopening of the border crossing were considered to be extremely low on Monday.
Last week, during a phone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Mr. Sunak brought up the border crossing. It is understood that the treatment of opening the frontier for Palestinian refugees and foreign nationals could be handled independently.
He also spoke with Netanyahu on Monday, stating Israel’s “absolutely right to defend itself.” While emphasizing “the need to minimize the impact on civilians to the greatest extent possible.”
