LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging an end to the war waged by the Israeli military since October 7.
In a statement released on Sunday, Sunak expressed shock and dismay at the bloodshed in Gaza and demanded an end to the “terrible war.” He emphasized the urgency of releasing hostages and ensuring the flow of aid to the region.
Sunak particularly highlighted the tragic incident involving the killing of seven aid workers, including three Britons, who were part of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) organization. They were targeted in an Israeli drone strike last Monday while delivering aid to those in need. Sunak condemned the attack, labeling the victims as “brave British heroes” who were selflessly assisting vulnerable populations.
The British Prime Minister underscored the immediate need for a humanitarian ceasefire, especially for the sake of the children in Gaza. He emphasized that such a ceasefire would pave the way for a sustainable long-term cessation of hostilities, facilitating the release of hostages and the delivery of essential aid to the affected populations.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned of the looming threat of famine in Gaza. He announced that a Royal Navy ship was en route to the Mediterranean to assist in establishing a maritime aid corridor. Cameron highlighted the collaboration between Britain, the United States, Cyprus, and others in setting up a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to expedite aid deliveries securely.
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, Cyprus has pledged to continue supporting the humanitarian corridor initiative, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population. The UK has also committed £9.7 million for aid, equipment, and expertise to support the maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.
The Gaza war, which began on October 7th, has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. Since October 7, at least 33,175 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
