Visiting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday pledged British support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Sunak said he stands with Israel as a “friend” and hopes Israel will “win the war.”

For his part, Mr Netanyahu said Israel needed “continual support” for “a long war.”

The British prime minister also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, during which he urged humanitarian aid to Gaza while stressing support for Israel.

“Palestinians are victims of what Hamas has done. It’s important that we continue to provide humanitarian access,” he said.

Mr Sunak’s visit to Israel follows trips made by U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and several other Western leaders earlier this week.

The latest round of violence between Israel and Hamas, which rules Gaza, began on October 7 when Hamas launched a rare surprise attack on southern Israel close to the border with Gaza.

Israel retaliated with airstrikes and a blockade that cut off water, electricity, fuel and other supplies to Gaza.

The conflict has killed more than 4,000 people on both sides.

(Xinhua/NAN)