London (Special to ZennieReport.com) – UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held two high level phone conversations that were communicated to the media: the first with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the second with Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and on Thursday, October 12th and Friday, October 13th, 2023, respectively. #10 Downing Street has provided the summaries of each communication and they are presented below.
UK Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel: 12 October 2023
The Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 12 October, to reaffirm the UK’s steadfast support for Israel following Hamas’ appalling terrorist attack.
The UK Prime Minister passed on again the deep condolences of the British people for all those killed, injured or kidnapped in this unconscionable tragedy, the true scale and horror of which is only just becoming clear. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked the UK for its solidarity, including in the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Israel this week.
The leaders discussed Israel’s response against Hamas in Gaza and the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK had authorised the sending of a significant support package to the region, including RAF surveillance aircraft, two Royal Navy ships to patrol in the Eastern Mediterranean, three Merlin helicopters and a detachment of Royal Marines. The additional military assistance would be deployed in the coming days to bolster security in the wider region and mitigate any attempts to escalate the conflict.
He reiterated that the UK stands side by side with Israel in fighting terror and agreed that Hamas can never again be able to perpetrate atrocities against the Israeli people. Noting that Hamas has enmeshed itself in the civilian population in Gaza, the Prime Minister said it was important to take all possible measures to protect ordinary Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid.
He also updated on his call with Egypt’s President Sisi this morning, including their discussion on the importance of opening the Rafah crossing to allow for humanitarian access and provide a route for British and other nationals to leave Gaza.
They agreed to remain in close contact and to explore any further support the UK can provide.
UK Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden: 13 October 2023
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Summit in Gotland today.
Meeting onboard HMS Diamond, the Prime Minister thanked the Swedish Prime Minister for hosting the summit. The leaders discussed the Strategic Partnership they will sign later this afternoon, and the Prime Minister said it showed how the friendship between the UK and Sweden had accelerated and deepened in recent years.
Discussing shared European challenges such as energy security and illegal migration, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to find common solutions.
Reflecting on the war in Ukraine, the leaders reiterated the international community’s steadfast support for Ukrainian sovereignty. They discussed how partners could continue to most effectively support Ukraine’s progress, including in the Black Sea.
The leaders also discussed the situation in Israel. The Prime Minister updated on the UK’s military package deploying to the region in the coming days. The Royal Navy ships and RAF aircraft would support partners throughout the region to promote stability, he added. Both leaders agreed on the importance of the international community working together to relieve any humanitarian impact.
The leaders looked forward to speaking to their JEF partners later in the day.