UK political leaders condemn surprise attack on Israel

Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer, and Ed Davey have all taken to social media condemning the attack from Hamas militants.

Author: Rosa BownPublished 7th Oct 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the "enemy will pay a price" after the Hamas militant group launched a surprise attack this morning.

Israel's national rescue service reports at least 22 people have been killed and the health ministry says over 500 have been injured in Israel.

The numbers make the operation the deadliest in Israeli territory in years.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak condemned "Hamas terrorists" in a post to the social media site X.

Mr Netanyahu's comments in a televised address mark his first since the Gaza strip's Hamas rulers launched the attack at daybreak on Saturday.

Palestinian fighters fired thousands of rockets from Gaza, with some crossing the border. Israel's military says it's started to retaliate in Gaza, with Mr Netanyahu saying his country is "at war" but it is one they will win.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says there's "no justification" for the attack, adding it undermines "any chance for future peace in the region".

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey also took to X, formally twitter, to make his stance known.

The foreign office is advising against all travel to the area.

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