Rishi Sunak lands in Israel as world leaders seek de-escalation

BBC News says Rishi Sunak has pledged to stand with Israel, as he arrived in the country ahead of meetings with Israeli leaders.

Upon landing in Tel Aviv, the UK prime minister said Israelis had suffered a “horrific act of terrorism” at the hands of Hamas earlier this month.

Mr Sunak will meet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog later as part of a two-day visit to the region.

He will also use the trip to press for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The visit comes right after US President Biden’s, as world leaders step up efforts to prevent the conflict with Hamas spilling into the wider region.

Speaking upon arrival, Mr Sunak told reporters he hoped for “productive” meeting with Israel’s leaders.

“Above all, I’m here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people,” he added.

“You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I stand with you”.