The leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany and the US have issued a joint statement to offer “steadfast and united support” to Israel – as well as “unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism”.
They wrote: “We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism.
“In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages.”
While Rishi Sunak, Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Olaf Scholz and Joe Biden said they “recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people”, the statement warned that “Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed”.
US military ‘surging’ air defences and munitions to Israel
The US military is “surging” fresh supplies of air defences, munitions and other security assistance to Israel, a senior defence official has said.
The supplies will help the country respond to Hamas’s unprecedented attack, they added.
“Planes have already taken off. We are surging support to Israel… We remain in constant ongoing contact with our counterparts in Israel to determine and then support their most urgent requirements,” they said.
The United States has not yet detailed the extent of the country’s requests for security assistance.
But the official said Washington was contacting the defence industry to expedite pending Israeli orders, and looking at the US military’s own stockpiles to help fill Israeli gaps.
Boy, 12, kidnapped by Hamas fighters
A video is being shared online showing Hamas fighters kidnapping a 12-year-old Israeli boy.
The child, who Sky News is choosing not to name, was taken along with other members of his family from the kibbutz Nir Oz on Saturday, his sister told our US partner site NBC News.
In the clip, a person can be heard saying: “These are young settlers. Keep them with you, don’t hurt them.”
Hamas has confirmed it has taken hostages but has not said how many it is holding captive.
Earlier, an official belonging to the militant group told Sky News the hostages were being treated in a “humane way” and they would not be harmed.
However, a spokesman for the group’s armed wing later said Hamas will not negotiate over Israeli captives “under fire”.
Appearing in a filmed address, Abu Ubaida said Israel should be ready to “pay the price” in return for the captives’ freedom.
Parliament lit up in blue and white in solidarity with Israel
The UK parliament is this evening lit up in blue and white – the colours of the Israeli flag.
It is to show the UK stands in solidarity with Israel following the brutal Hamas attack on Israel that has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths so far and many more injuries.
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