UK premier, Qatari emir discuss Mideast conflict, highlight imperative of avoiding escalation

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Britain's prime minister on Friday met with the Qatari emir to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

During a meeting in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on the sidelines of a summit of the GCC countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Rishi Sunak and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the loss of lives following the Oct. 7 Israel-Palestine war was "shocking and tragic."

"They underlined the imperative of avoiding any escalation in the violence across the region and agreed that leaders had a responsibility to do everything possible to prevent it," UK Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Sunak thanked Al Thani for his efforts to secure the release of Israelis held by Hamas and said that his government would use "all the tools at our disposal" to support these efforts.

The two leaders also agreed on the urgent need to get food, water, and medicines to civilians in Gaza.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began 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. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

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

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

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

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.