Rishi Sunak says missile that killed hundreds in hospital was launched from Gaza
Rishi Sunak says the missile that killed hundreds of people at a hospital was launched from inside Gaza.
The PM revealed the findings of an investigation by British intelligence experts into the blast. "I can now share our assessment with the House. On the basis of the deep knowledge and analysis of our intelligence and weapons experts, the British Government judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile or part of one that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.," he said.
Hamas blamed the Israeli military for the explosion but reports later suggested a rocket from within Gaza had misfired. The deadly blast at the Al-Ahli hospital killed approximately 500 people and wounded more than 300, according to reports.
US President Joe Biden last week backed Israel after analysis by the Americans supported Israel’s account of what happened. After landing in Tel Aviv, he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Based on what I have seen, it was done by the other team, not you.”
After Hamas accused Israel of targeting the hospital, Mr Sunak's spokesman said "no-one should be taking at face value the word of a terrorist organisation". Downing Street warned the public that it was "deeply irresponsible" to jump to conclusions over the explosion, urging people to wait until the facts were established.
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In his Commons statement, the PM announced a further £20million package of support for Palestinian civilians. "We have already committed £10 million of extra support to help civilians in Gaza. And I can announce today that we are going further," Mr Sunak said. "We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. More than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people."
Keir Starmer pushed the Prime Minister to go further, saying: “The EU has promised to treble humanitarian aid, and the US has appointed a special coordinator for international aid to Gaza. So I ask if the Prime Minister can commit to the same? Because Britain must stand ready to ensure aid gets to the right places, to deploy British experts and medical support teams, and to work with international partners to give UN agencies the resources they need – for the long-term.”
The Labour leader added: "Hamas may not care for the safety and security of the Palestinian people, but we do. We cannot and will not close our eyes to their suffering. Gaza is now a humanitarian emergency. There is not enough food. Clean water is running out. Hospitals are going without medicine and electricity. People starving, reduced to drinking contaminated filth. Babies lying in incubators that could switch off at any moment."
Both Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer reiterated their support for Israel's right to defend itself, while stressing this must be done within international law.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told the Prime Minister that turning off the electricity and water, limiting access to food and medicines and preventing people from fleeing Gaza are examples of “collective punishment” "All of us, all of us in this chamber know that collective punishment is prohibited by international law,” he said. “Will he now, given the severity of this appalling situation, agree that a ceasefire is required in the region?
World leaders including Mr Sunak have demanded the release of all Israeli hostages being held by Hamas. The PM took part in a joint call with President Biden, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Olaf Scholz and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni on Sunday evening. Downing Street said the leaders “welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages”.
The No10 spokeswoman added: “They committed to close coordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza. The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs.”
The group said they’d work together with partners in the Middle East to “prevent the conflict from spreading” while aiming towards a “durable peace”.
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