Britain’s prime minister calls on Israel, Egypt to open border crossing to allow in aid

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged both Israel and Egypt on Monday to open up the Rafah crossing to allow in aid.

“We must ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza. This requires Egypt and Israel to let in the aid that is so badly needed,” he said in a statement in the House of Commons.

Sunak began his speech by extending his support to the families of some of those who went missing after the Palestinian group Hamas’s infiltration into southern Israel.

“The families of some of the missing are in the public gallery today. We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and I say to them: we stand with you. We stand with Israel.”

The prime minister insists the UK will do all it can to maintain stability in the region and will aim to do so by "using all the tools of diplomacy."

He said he met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Sunday in London and has spoken with the leaders of Türkiye and Egypt as he noted the UK's partners have asked it to help prevent a further escalation.

"We support Israel's right to defend itself and deter further incursions," he said, but added that this must be done in line with international humanitarian law.

"As a friend, we will continue to call on Israel to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians," he added.

- 6 Britons killed, 10 missing in Israel

Sunak confirmed before parliament that at least six British citizens were killed in Israel.

“A further 10 are missing, some of whom are feared to be among the dead. We are working with Israel to establish the facts as quickly as possible, and we are supporting the families who are suffering unimaginable pain.”

He revealed that 500 Britons had been brought back on eight flights and said the government is working on land evacuations.

The UK government believes that up to 60,000 British nationals are in Israel or Palestine.

Sunak said he also understands the “great anguish” of British Muslims and will listen to their concerns.

Tens of thousands of people have staged rallies in support of Palestinians over the past week, calling on the British government to stop helping Israel committing a “genocide” in Gaza.