Rishi Sunak: Too many civilians have died in Gaza

The Times: Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the UK, has expressed grave concerns over the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and is pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ceasefire. Sunak recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas’ attacks but emphasizes the need to adhere to humanitarian law. He advocates for a “sustainable ceasefire,” involving the release of hostages, cessation of rocket attacks by Hamas, and increased humanitarian aid.

Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace criticized Netanyahu’s approach as “crude and indiscriminate,” fearing it could exacerbate the conflict and radicalize Muslim youth globally. Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel is considering escalating the conflict in southern Lebanon and pushing further into Gaza.

The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza said more than 100 people were killed on Sunday in Israeli strikes, including 90 in continuing raids on the Jabalia refugee camp in the north, where Hamas fighters continue to hold out.

In the south, a 13-year-old girl, Dina Abu Mehsen, who was in Nasser hospital after losing a leg in a previous bombardment, was killed when an Israeli shell hit her ward, the ministry said. It added that she had lost both her parents and two of her siblings in the raid that claimed her leg.

A key moment will be a United Nations meeting where Arab states will propose a new ceasefire resolution. The U.S. vetoed a previous resolution, and the UK abstained, but growing domestic and international pressure might influence their stances, especially given the increasing visibility of the conflict’s devastating impact.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rishi-sunak-too-many-civilians-have-died-in-gaza-566d6d8b0