In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has affirmed the United Kingdom’s readiness to provide diplomatic, intelligence, or security support to Israel, contingent upon Israel’s request. Sunak is set to preside over an emergency meeting of Cobra, the UK government’s crisis response committee.
Downing Street has underscored that the UK remains “poised” to offer military assistance to Israel should such aid be solicited. Additionally, the government is not ruling out the possibility of evacuating British citizens from affected regions, with the paramount objective being the safety of UK nationals.
As the death toll continues to mount following Hamas’s unexpected attack and hostage-taking, coupled with Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza, Sunak’s leadership of the Cobra meeting reflects the gravity of the situation. To date, the conflict has claimed at least 700 lives in Israel and more than 400 in Gaza.
Sunak, who held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, emphasized the UK’s steadfast support for Israel, noting that Britain has previously supplied equipment that has been instrumental in Israel’s defense.
“In close dialogue with our Israeli counterparts,” Sunak asserted, “we will continue to provide—whether in the form of diplomatic, intelligence, or security support—the assistance they require.”
Responding to inquiries regarding potential UK backing for an Israeli ground operation in Gaza, Downing Street reiterated, “We support Israel exercising its right to self-defense and taking proportionate measures to halt the violence.”
The spokesperson affirmed that there are currently no plans to redeploy British military assets to the region. Nevertheless, existing British assets, such as HMS Duncan under NATO control, are present in the Mediterranean, conducting patrols.
While some countries have initiated evacuations of their citizens from Israel and Gaza, the UK Foreign Office, for now, is solely requesting British or dual nationals directly affected to contact its helpline. Due to the ongoing conflict, the Foreign Office has issued advice against all non-essential travel to the region.
The potential for evacuations remains under review, with no standalone flights organized by Britain at this stage. According to UK government estimates, there are approximately 50,000 to 60,000 British or dual nationals in Israel and Gaza.
Regarding Iran’s role in encouraging Hamas’s attacks on Israel, Sunak’s spokesperson attributed full responsibility to Hamas for the “appalling act of terror.” However, the spokesperson emphasized that Iran represents an “unacceptable threat” to Israel through its support of Hamas and Hezbollah.
Downing Street also disclosed that Home Secretary Suella Braverman is monitoring reports of increased antisemitic attacks. She has held discussions with the Community Security Trust, an organization dedicated to safeguarding British Jews, with the prospect of heightened police patrols in certain areas.
