After the UK’s foreign secretary called for Israel to “stop and think seriously” about taking further action in Rafah (see 11.36 post), Downing Street has said it too is “deeply concerned” about the prospect of a ground offensive in the city.
Echoing Lord Cameron’s comments, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said: “Over half of Gaza’s population are sheltering there and that crossing is vital to ensuring aid can reach the people who desperately need it
“The priority in Gaza must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, such that we can then make progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.”
Number 10 has refused to say whether Mr Sunak thought “total victory” over Hamas – a major aim for Benjamin Netanyahu – was realistic.
The spokesman said it was Mr Netanyahu’s language, but later added that measures needed for a sustainable ceasefire include Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza.
Turkey in contact with Israel over blocked shipment of food supplies
Turkey says it is in contact with Israeli authorities over a blocked aid shipment at an Israeli port.
The shipment from Turkey includes more than 1,000 containers of supplies including flour, chickpeas, sugar and cooking oil to cover the needs of 1.1 million people for a month.
A UN agency yesterday said it was blocked at the port.
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