British prime minister reaffirms support for Israel amid escalation

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as fighting between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas continued for a second day.

Sunak reiterated the UK’s "unequivocal solidarity with Israel in the face of these acts of terror," according to a statement by the prime minister's office.

He offered any necessary support that Israel might require, and highlighted UK's diplomatic efforts to ensure a unified international response to condemn the attacks.

In a separate post on X, Sunak said the "scenes we have seen in Israel over the last 36 hours are truly horrifying."

He said he spoke to Netanyahu "to assure him of the UK’s steadfast support as Israel defends itself against these attacks."

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multifront attack on Israel on Saturday, saying it was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, launching airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave.

At least 700 Israelis and 370 Palestinians are reported dead, with many others injured.

Israel’s Security Cabinet confirmed Saturday night that the nation was in a state of war, authorizing "significant military steps."