Steadfast and United Support to Israel: The Prime Minister's Promise to World Leaders
Key Highlights :
The recent attacks on Israel by Hamas have sparked a global response from world leaders, including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak. Mr Sunak addressed a synagogue in North London to express his solidarity for Israel and to reassure Britain’s Jews that he will “stop at nothing” to keep them safe. He also promised “steadfast and united support” to the State of Israel, along with other world leaders, and condemned the “appalling acts of terrorism” of Hamas.
The Prime Minister’s pledge of support for Israel was echoed by US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In a joint statement, the leaders promised their “steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism”.
The Prime Minister also took action to protect the Jewish community in Britain. Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote to police chiefs to encourage them to step up patrols in areas with large Jewish communities amid concerns they could be subjected to antisemitic abuse. Mr Sunak told the United Synagogue in Finchley: “I know that at moments like this, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe. We have already seen vile words on our streets and attempts to stir up community tensions. I say: Not here. Not in Britain. Not in our country. Not in this century. My first duty is to protect you. We will not tolerate this hate, we will not tolerate this antisemitism. And I promise you: I will stop at nothing to keep you safe.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has already resulted in the death of 900 people in Israel, according to the Israeli military, and over 680 people in Gaza according to authorities in Gaza. Dozens more have been taken hostage by Hamas. At least two Britons were killed in the Hamas onslaught, with another feared dead and more missing.
In response to the conflict, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee and issued a joint statement with other world leaders, saying: “We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism.” The leaders also warned that “this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage”.
The British Red Cross has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to provide humanitarian support in Israel and Gaza. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the region and as flights out of Israel are still available for those wanting to leave there are no plans for a UK-facilitated evacuation of British citizens.
The Prime Minister’s promise of “steadfast and united support” to Israel is a powerful statement of solidarity and a reassurance to the Jewish community in Britain and around the world. The UK Government’s commitment to stand with Israel and to condemn the “appalling acts of terrorism” of Hamas is a strong and principled stance in the face of violence and hatred.
