King condemns ‘barbaric acts of terrorism’ as Cleverly makes visit to Israel
| Published date | 11 October 2023 |
| Publication title | Daily Record, The / Sunday Mail: Web Edition Articles (Scotland) |
Both the UK and the US have been among the major states offering firm backing to Israel but concerns have been expressed in the UN and elsewhere about the impact on civilians as airstrikes continue to hit Gaza.
The conflict has already claimed at least 2,200 lives, with fears it could escalate further.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that Charles is “extremely concerned” about the situation.
“His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak. His Majesty is appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel.”
The King held telephone calls with President Isaac Herzog of Israel and King Abdullah of Jordan on Wednesday afternoon, the palace said.
The monarch is understood to have personally expressed his thoughts and prayers for all of those suffering.
The Prince and Princess of Wales issued their own condemnation of the “horrors inflicted by Hamas’s terrorist attack”.
A spokesman for William and Kate said they were “profoundly distressed by the devastating events that have unfolded in the past days”.
The UK Government has made clear that Israel has the right to defend itself in the wake of the assault by Hamas amid an ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip.
Foreign Office officials said Mr Cleverly had met with Mr Herzog since his arrival, with the pair discussing the UK’s “ongoing security, military and diplomatic cooperation” with Tel Aviv “in the face of terror”.
He also travelled with Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen to the southern Israeli village of Ofakim, a site of one of Hamas’ strikes on the country, where he spoke with survivors.
His department said the Foreign Secretary was the first international foreign minister to visit one of the locations targeted by the Palestinian group, which is banned in the UK and proscribed as a terror organisation, during its weekend assault.
Mr Cleverly said: “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.”
In a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Israeli foreign...
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