‘Hamas cares more about paymasters in Iran than children’: Rishi Sunak on Israel-Gaza war
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday hit out at the Hamas militant group that attacked Israel on October 7, saying that they “care more about their paymasters in Iran than the children they hide behind”. According to Sunak, Hamas is not only a threat to Israel but also to several other countries across the region.
Sharing a snippet from his address on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunak said, “We will work together with the international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort. We must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is.”
In the video, the UK PM can be heard saying: “We’ll work together with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort…It will rely on establishing more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and West Bank. It will also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood.”
“…Let me be clear, there is no scenario where Hamas can be able to control Gaza or any part of the Palestinian territories,” he added.
Sunak also stressed that all the leaders he met recently have agreed that the war is a “watershed moment”.
“It’s time to set the region on a better path,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sunak on Monday announced an additional humanitarian aid worth 20 million euros to help civilians in Gaza affected by the war. “We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people,” Sunak told the UK Parliament.
Sunak’s visit to Israel
Last week, the UK PM visited Israel for two days to show solidarity and support Israel who is reeling from an October 7 rampage by Hamas militants. Upon landing in Tel Aviv, Sunak said, “Above all, I’m here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people. You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I stand with you.”
During his visit, Sunak met his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel President Isaac Herzog. He also met the families of those who were killed or being held hostage by the Hamas militants.
Israel-Hamas war
The war between Israel and Hamas entered its 18th day on Tuesday, with over 6,000 people being killed on both sides. Israel has been striking Gaza after around 2,500 Hamas terrorists crossed over into Israel by land, air, and sea, committing chilling acts of terror on civilians in southern Israel on October 7 – killing at least 1,400 Israelis. Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to step up its attack against Hamas and for a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip.