We’ll Stand With You, We Want You To Win This War – British PM Tells Israeli Leader
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has assured the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu that Britain wants Israel to win the ongoing war against Hamas and that Britain will stand with Israel in solidarity.
Sunak, who said this as he met with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv over the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war as the world waits for an expected Israeli ground offensive into Gaza, said that the United Kingdom was solidly behind Israel’s right as enshrined in international law, to “go after Hamas terrorists.”
Sunak, however, added that the Palestinian people are also Hamas’ victims and that Britain welcomed Israel’s plan to get some humanitarian aid into Gaza from Egypt.
The British PM in a video published by BBC News said, “I’m so sorry to be here in such terrible circumstances. In the last two weeks, this country has gone through what no country, no people should have to endure, least of all, Israel,” which he said has experienced “violence and terrorism every day of its existence”.
He said, “I want to share the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel’s right to defend itself in line with the international law, to go after Hamas, to take back hostages… and to strengthen your security for the long term.
“I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians in direct contrast to the terrorists of Hamas, to put civilians in homes away.
“I also want to thank you for the support your government has given to the families of British nationals caught up in this horror, including your efforts to secure the release of the hostages that were released.
“I know that we will continue to cooperate, particularly with regard to the British nationals that were involved.
“Can I also say that we have seen the scenes over the past days that have shocked all of us, particularly the hospital. We mourn the loss of every innocent life – civilians of every faith, every nationality who have been killed.”
Speaking further, Sunak said, “We also recognise that the Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too and that is why I welcome your decision yesterday when you talked to ensure that the route into Gaza will be opened for humanitarian aides to enter. I’m glad that you made that decision.
“We will support you. We will increase our aid to the region and we will look to get more support to the people as quickly as we can.
“The last thing to close on is this, I’m proud to stand here with you as your friend. We will stand with you in solidarity, we will stand with your people, and we also want you to win.”
