Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly planning to visit Israel this week, according to a report by Sky News on Tuesday (17). However, Downing Street has not confirmed the report, and they mentioned that Sunak's travel plans will be announced as usual.
Last week, Foreign Minister James Cleverly visited Israel to express solidarity with the Israeli people following attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Israel has vowed to take action against the Hamas movement, which controls Gaza, after Hamas gunmen killed 1,300 people, primarily civilians, during an attack on southern Israeli towns on October 7. This marked the deadliest single day in Israel's 75-year history.
On Monday (16), Sunak stated in parliament that he fully supports Israel's right to defend itself, take action against Hamas, secure the release of hostages, and strengthen its long-term security.
“This must be done in line with international humanitarian law, but also recognising that they face a vicious enemy that embeds itself behind civilians,” Sunak said.
“As a friend, we will continue to call on Israel to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.”
On Tuesday, the Palestinian death toll from Israel's bombardment of Gaza rose to approximately 3,000, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Additionally, at least six people died in an Israeli air strike that targeted a school operated by the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency.
Earlier in the day, Sunak held discussions with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, emphasizing the critical need to prevent the conflict from escalating further across the region.