World must avoid ‘terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza’, Rishi Sunak says as he lands in Saudi Arabia
Rishi Sunak warned against “a terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza” as he sought to play a role uniting both sides of the Middle Eastern divide during a trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister told Israel’s leaders that they had a “duty” to “restore security” as they prepare to invade Gaza in a bid to wipe out Hamas.
But as he touched down in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, Mr Sunak also promised to help “prevent a dangerous escalation” in a show of support for Arab leaders’ efforts to dissuade Israel from waging all-out war in the Palestinian territories.
His two-day tour of the region will conclude on Friday when he is set to travel to a third country after spending the night in Saudi Arabia. It was not yet clear where he would go before his return to the UK.
The hastily arranged trip has been conducted under heavy security with the media shut out of key events on Mr Sunak’s itinerary.
He began by holding talks with Isaac Herzog, Israel’s largely ceremonial president, before meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Sunak told Mr Herzog: “We will stand with you in solidarity with your people and your right to defend yourself to bring security back to your country, to your people, to ensure the safe return of the hostages that have been taken and I know we will talk further about that later on. You have not just a right to do that, I think you have a duty to do that, to restore that security to your country.”
During a joint statement, Mr Netanyahu said: “This is our darkest hour. It is the world’s darkest hour. We need to stand together and we will win. And this is why I support, I value your support and the fact that you’re here – we must win together.”
Mr Sunak responded: “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.”
He added: “I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians – in direct contrast to the terrorists of Hamas, which seek to put civilians in harm’s way.”
Shortly after arriving in Saudi Arabia for talks with its ruler Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister promised to work with Arab governments to avoid unnecessary suffering in Gaza as a result of Israel’s bombing and anticipated invasion of the densely populated strip.
He said: “As an international community, we must not let Hamas’ terror attack become a catalyst for a terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We will work together to ensure regional stability and prevent a dangerous escalation.”
Mr Sunak has faced criticism from some quarters that he has been too close to Israel’s Government and failed to demand a ceasefire in the region.
He said in response: “Hamas has perpetrated an absolutely barbaric act of terrorism. I’m sure many people would have seen seen the videos, they are horrific. They chill you – they have certainly done that to me – and everyone can see that they represent pure evil. And it is right that Israel exercises its right to self-defence.”
Katy Chakrabortty, of Oxfam, said: “The Prime Minister is right to call for the safe return of all hostages in Gaza but his failure to call for a ceasefire is wrong. The humanitarian situation within Gaza is now reaching catastrophic levels – with more than 3,000 Palestinians dead, what further evidence does he need that any precautions to protect civilians are not working?”
After the meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed, a No 10 spokesman said: “The leaders agreed that the loss of innocent lives in Israel and Gaza over the last two weeks has been horrific. They underscored the need to avoid any further escalation in the region and agreed to coordinate action on this front.”
Mr Sunak “encouraged the Crown Prince to use Saudi’s leadership in the region to support stability, both now and in the long-term”.
