UK PM vows to stand by Israel: 'We want you to win'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has told Israel that the British  government and leadership “want you to win” in the conflict against the Palestinian resistance, vowing London’s support for Tel Aviv along the way.

At a press conference in Jerusalem alongside his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, Sunak recalled “scenes over the past day that have shocked all of us, particularly at the [Al-Ahli] hospital [in Gaza], and we mourn the loss of every innocent life, civilians of every faith, every nationality who have been killed.”

He added: “I’m proud to stand here with you in Israel’s darkest hour. As your friend, we will stand with you in solidarity, we will stand with your people and we also want you to win.” Sunak claimed to represent the “the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas, to take back hostages, deter further incursions and to strengthen your security for the long term.”

Sunak’s visit and his comments mark the firmest stance by the UK government in favour of the occupation state’s ongoing siege and bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which Israel has been striking for almost two weeks killing over 3,000 Palestinians in what many have called a genocide.

Read: PM warned of intent to prosecute UK gov’t officials for complicity in war crimes in Gaza