Britain will send two naval ships to the eastern Mediterranean and fly Royal Air Force surveillance planes over Israel, a significant show of military support against Hamas.
The military package includes P8 aircraft, surveillance equipment, two Royal Navy ships – the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships Lyme Bay and Argus – three Merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, Downing Street said.
The RAF is expected to begin patrols from tomorrow, monitoring threats to regional security, including the transfer of arms to Hamas.
Rishi Sunak said the deployment of British forces would “support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation of the bitter conflict”.
This came after the US ordered military ships and aircraft to approach Israel following Saturday’s bloody attack by Hamas terrorists, which has killed over 1,200 Israelis so far.
Royal Fleet support vessels RFA Argus (pictured) and RFA Lyme Bay are reportedly being sent to the region
The RAF is expected to begin patrols in the next 24 hours, monitoring threats to regional stability. The picture shows service personnel preparing for deployment
File image shows Royal Marines testing amphibious capability at RFA Lyme Bay, now deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean
Rishi Sunak reiterated Britain’s unwavering support for Israel and the government’s condemnation of Hamas terrorists.
He said tonight: “We must make unequivocal that the horrific scenes we have seen this week are not repeated.”
“Together with our allies, the deployment of our world-class military will support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation.”
“Our military and diplomatic teams across the region will also support international partners to restore security and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the thousands of innocent victims of this barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists.”
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Hamas’ monstrous terrorist attacks in recent days have shown why the UK must support Israel’s absolute right to self-defence and deter malicious external interference.”
“No nation should stand alone in the face of such evil, and today’s operation will ensure that Israel does not.”
He added that the Royal Navy Task Group, RAF operations and “broader military support” served as an “undeniable demonstration of Britain’s determination to ensure that Hamas’ terror campaign fails, while also serving as a reminder to those seeking to stoke tensions.” would have the forces of freedom stand by their side.” the people of Israel.’
This comes after the Prime Minister tonight vowed to “do everything in our power” to ensure the safety of British Jews following the Hamas attack on Israel and a rise in anti-Semitic incidents at home.
The Prime Minister announced £3 million in additional funding to protect schools, synagogues and other Jewish community buildings.
Israeli tanks are driving towards the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Thursday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that “every Hamas member is a dead man.” A ground offensive is reportedly being prepared in Gaza – a move that is likely to increase the death toll.
Sadiq Khan, the Labor mayor of London, has written to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly urging “urgent action” to allow humanitarian access to Gaza, following similar calls from the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
David Lammy, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, also pushed for “food, water, medicine and electricity” to be provided.
Alicia Kearns, Conservative chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, told LBC that Tel Aviv has a “duty under international humanitarian law” to ensure that people in Gaza have access to medical aid and water.
“We can provide the humanitarian aid, but no one except the Israelis can access the water again,” she said.
Israel’s Iron Dome intercepts rockets fired from the Gaza Strip on October 11, 2023
The Foreign Office released a video on social media on Thursday in which Mr Cleverly spoke during his visit to Israel.
The Cabinet minister said the UK supports Israel’s “right to self-defense” and “the right to repatriate the abducted people”.
He did not mention the situation in Gaza during the 30-second clip.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting the world’s only Jewish state alongside the Israeli Prime Minister.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has also asked Germany to send ammunition for ships, as the country’s defense minister said: “We stand with Israel.”
Berlin will allow Israel to use two Heron drones from its air force, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said today before a NATO meeting in Brussels.
“We will provide two drones that the Israelis had asked for.” “There are also initial requests for ammunition for ships, which we will now discuss with the Israelis,” said Pistorius.