Rishi Sunak calls urgent COBRA meeting today following Hamas terror storm on Israel

PM gathers top ministers and security officials to plan response to brutal attacks

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has called an urgent COBRA meeting today in response to the horrific invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists. The Prime Minister is expected to gather his top ministers and security officials this afternoon to plan the government's response to the brutal attacks.

Israel declares state of war after Hamas unleashes terror

Israel, a close ally of Britain, has declared a state of war after Hamas unleashed terror on its citizens in a bloody siege. Since the Palestinian militant group stormed across the border on Saturday, more than 1,100 people in Israel and Gaza have been killed. Haunting footage of Hamas kidnapping and holding hostage soldiers, civilians, women, and children has shocked the world.

UK condemns Hamas violence and supports Israel's right to defend itself

The UK has unequivocally condemned the violence carried out by Hamas and has expressed its support for Israel's right to defend itself. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, in a call with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pledged "any support he needs" and emphasized that the UK will provide all necessary assistance in diplomacy, intelligence, and security.

"This is not a time for equivocation. We should call it out for what it is," Sunak said. "What I've said to the Israeli PM is we will provide all the support they need to defend themselves. As I said, we will continue diplomatic, intelligence, or security support, whatever they need. We are in close dialogue with our Israeli counterparts and I'm sure all of you, like me, will want to stand steadfast," he added.