By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday offered support to Egypt in maintaining the operational status of the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip.
The announcement came following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Sunak and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi earlier today.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street issued a statement on the discussion, saying: "The Prime Minister expressed his condolences for the Egyptians who have lost their lives, along with so many others.
"The Prime Minister said that terrorism is an evil that must be confronted wherever it is found. It was also important that the conflict did not spread further. He noted the importance of Egypt's historic role in the region, including its efforts in seeking de-escalation."
According to the statement: “The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging security situation at the Rafah border crossing. He offered the UK’s support to try to manage this situation and keep the route open for humanitarian and consular reasons, including for British nationals.
“The leaders agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops.”
In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces have launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.
The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air, which Hamas said was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.
In response to Hamas' actions, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.