UK to send Royal Navy ships to eastern Mediterranean to ‘bolster security’ in Israel-Gaza

According to No. 10, the UK will “bolster security” by sending two Royal Navy ships and surveillance planes to the eastern Mediterranean.

It follows six days of conflict after Hamas’s unexpected strike on Israel.

To “track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups,” the aircraft will start patrolling on Friday.

Additionally, three Merlin helicopters and Royal Marines are being sent.

On Thursday, Rishi Sunak talked with the Israeli prime minister to reiterate the UK’s support.

According to Downing Street, he called Benjamin Netanyahu to “reaffirm the UK’s steadfast support for Israel following Hamas’ appalling terrorist attack.”

“The additional military assistance would be deployed in the coming days to bolster security in the wider region and mitigate any attempts to escalate the conflict,” said the statement.

Mr. Sunak reaffirmed that the UK supports Israel in its battle against terrorism and concurred that Hamas should never again be free to massacre Israeli citizens.

“Noting that Hamas has enmeshed itself in the civilian population in Gaza, the prime minister said it was important to take all possible measures to protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid.”

The two prime ministers “agreed to maintain close communication and to investigate any additional support the UK can offer.”

The prime minister had earlier stated: “Our military and diplomatic teams across the region will also support international partners to re-establish security and ensure humanitarian aid reaches the thousands of innocent victims of this barbaric attack from Hamas terrorists.”

In order to enhance contingency preparation, he also requested that military teams in Israel, Cyprus, and the rest of the region be strengthened.

On Thursday morning, Mr. Sunak had a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about the significance of opening the Rafah crossing into Gaza to permit humanitarian assistance and give a route for Britons and other nationals to evacuate.

At least 1,300 people were killed in an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel on Saturday, and 150 captives were taken to Gaza.

Furthermore, since Israel started its airstrikes in retaliation, more than 1,300 people have died in Gaza.

The military assistance, according to Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, will be “an undeniable demonstration of the UK’s resolve to ensure that Hamas’s terrorist campaign fails.”

For British people stranded in Israel, the Foreign Office has started to arrange flights. More flights were anticipated “in the coming days, subject to security” after the initial flight on Thursday.