“We will work closely to prevent escalation”: UK PM Rishi Sunak speaks with Saudi Crown Prince on Israel-Palestine row

The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak engaged in a substantial dialogue on Tuesday with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to address the escalating tensions in Israel and Gaza. Sunak underscored the profound commitment of both nations to collaborate closely and effectively to prevent any further exacerbation of the conflict.

Via his social media platform, Sunak openly acknowledged the far-reaching and devastating consequences that the conflict in the Middle East has yielded, underscoring the critical necessity of thwarting any potential destabilization, particularly those fomented through Iranian proxies.

“I spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier on the situation in Israel and Gaza. We both recognize the devastating consequences of wider conflict in the Middle East. We will work closely to prevent escalation, including destabilization fuelled through Iranian proxies,” posted Sunak.

In his official capacity, Sunak took the opportunity to reiterate the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish community. On his designated social media handle on ‘X’, he stated that he has kept the Cabinet abreast of the government’s evolving response to the unsettling Hamas terror attacks, standing in solidarity with Israel and reiterating the commitment to aid affected British citizens. Within the same context, he vehemently denounced the surge of anti-Semitic activities, reasserting the government’s stance against all forms of bigotry.

Sunak posted on X, “I updated Cabinet this morning on our response to the Hamas terror attacks. As we stand with Israel, we will play our part in helping Palestinian civilians. And at home, we will continue to take every step to support our Jewish community. There is no excuse for antisemitism.”

“The attacks in Israel last weekend shocked the world. Over 1,400 people were murdered, over 3,500 wounded, almost 200 taken hostage. The elderly, men, women, children, and babies in arms were murdered, mutilated and burned alive. It was a pogrom…We stand with Israel. The murdered and the missing come from over 30 countries, including the United Kingdom. At least six British citizens were killed and ten are missing…We are working with Israel to establish the effects as quickly as possible…we are also helping British citizens who want to leave Israel,” UK prime minister said in Parliament.

Recent data from the Palestinian health ministry have highlighted the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict, revealing a concerning number of casualties, with several thousand Palestinian lives lost and many more grievously wounded. Of particular concern is the distressing number of children counted among the casualties.

Sunak’s impassioned condemnation of the recent onslaught in Israel was manifest in his poignant declaration, describing the heinous acts as a ‘pogrom’ and urging for immediate action to redress the situation, while also providing necessary assistance to affected British nationals.

Extending an unequivocal show of solidarity, Sunak sought to reassure the British Jewish community of the government’s unyielding commitment to ensuring their safety and security in the face of such harrowing events. “I want to address the British Jewish community directly…we stand with you now and always. This atrocity was an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people. We are doing everything that we can to protect you…” he said.

Rishi Sunak also condemned Hamas for “using innocent Palestinian people as human shields,” Furthermore, he emphasized the pressing need for extending crucial humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, recognizing them as victims of the pernicious tactics employed by Hamas.

Reiterating the UK’s long-standing stance, Sunak emphasized that Hamas does not represent the authentic aspirations of the Palestinian people for security, freedom, justice, opportunity, and dignity.

“We must support the Palestinian people because they are victims of Hamas too. We believe that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity, and dignity,” he said.

Also Read: Macron’s Visit to Israel Scheduled Amidst Conflict with Hamas
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