British premier to visit Israel amid growing tensions in Middle East

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Thursday, according to the UK premier's office.

Amid rising tensions, Sunak is expected to meet with his Israeli counterpart before travelling to a number of other regional capitals, according to British media reports citing the Prime Minister's Office.

Sunak will also offer his condolences for the Israeli civilians killed in attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas and press for humanitarian aid to be delivered to the Gaza Strip, said the reports.

"Every civilian death is a tragedy," he said ahead of travelling to Israel, adding that too many lives have been lost following the Oct. 7 attacks, the BBC reported.

"The attack on Al-Ahli Hospital should be a watershed moment for leaders in the region and across the world to come together to avoid a further dangerous escalation of the conflict," he noted.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.

Gaza is currently experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since the start of the operation.