UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron have stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to a statement from the UK government.
Following Israel’s military operation in Gaza, both leaders expressed shared concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict in the wider region, particularly in the West Bank.
During a telephone conversation, Sunak and Macron highlighted the critical importance of delivering urgent humanitarian support to Gaza.
They pledged to collaborate on efforts to provide essential food, fuel, water, and medicine to those in need and to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals from the region.
The leaders updated each other on their conversations with regional leaders, emphasizing the importance of working towards regional stability.
Sunak and Macron agreed on the significance of not losing sight of the long-term future of the region, stressing the need for a two-state solution.
Macron had previously called for a humanitarian truce in the Israeli-Gaza conflict to address the needs of civilians, warning of escalating tensions and the risk of the region erupting into a larger crisis.
In response to the conflict, Sunak announced that the UK would send an additional £20 million in aid to assist civilians in Gaza, bringing the total pledged by the UK since the conflict began to £30 million.
The conflict, now in its 23rd day, has seen limited ground incursions by Israel and heavy airstrikes targeting various locations, including hospitals. The Palestinian death toll has exceeded 8,000, according to reports.
