By: Hannah Dadzie
UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and southern Israel yesterday (11 October 2023), days after Hamas launched a barbaric terrorist attack on the country.
Demonstrating the UK’s solidarity with Israel and its fundamental right to defend itself against Hamas, Mr Cleverly underlined the UK’s support in meetings with President Herzog. They discussed the UK and Israel’s ongoing security, military and diplomatic cooperation in the face of terror.
He also travelled with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to the southern Israeli village of Ofakim to witness first-hand the devastation caused by Hamas.
On the first visit by a Foreign Minister to a site of the attacks, Mr. Cleverly met survivors to emphasise that the UK stands with against terrorism.
“I’m in Israel today to show the UK’s unwavering support for Israel. The facts are clear. Hamas are terrorists. Israel has the right to defend itself. Hamas and Hamas alone are responsible and accountable for these appalling attacks. Terrorism must never be allowed to prevail.” Foreign Secretary said:
Since the attacks, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to counterparts from the United States, Jordan, Egypt, Germany, Türkiye, Oman, the UAE, Italy, the EU, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Authority. He will continue to stay in contact with international leaders over the coming days and weeks.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO has updated its travel advice to all but essential travel to Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon.
British nationals in need of assistance should contact +972 (0)2 725 1222.
