- Foreign Secretary today visited Tel Aviv,
Jerusalem and southern Israel (11 October 2023)
- On first visit by a foreign minister to site of attacks, he
met survivors and witnessed destruction caused by Hamas
- Cleverly also met Israeli President and Foreign Minister to
reiterate support
The Foreign Secretary visited Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and southern
Israel today (11 October 2023), days after Hamas launched a
barbaric terrorist attack on the country.
Demonstrating the UK’s solidarity with Israel and its fundamental
right to defend itself against Hamas, underlined the UK’s support
in meeting with President Herzog. They discussed the UK and
Israel’s ongoing security, military and diplomatic cooperation in
the face of terror.
He also travelled with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to the southern
Israeli village of Ofakim to witness first-hand the devastation
caused by Hamas. On the first visit by a foreign minister to a
site of the attacks, Cleverly met survivors to emphasise that the
UK stands with against terrorism.
Foreign Secretary said:
I’m in Israel today to show the UK’s unwavering support for
Israel.
The facts are clear. Hamas are terrorists. Israel has the right
to defend itself. Hamas and Hamas alone are responsible and
accountable for these appalling attacks.
Terrorism must never be allowed to prevail.
Since the attacks, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to
counterparts from the United States, Jordan, Egypt, Germany,
Türkiye, Oman, the UAE, Italy, the EU, Saudi Arabia, and the
Palestinian Authority. He will continue to stay in contact with
international leaders over the coming days and weeks.
The FCDO has updated its travel advice to all but essential
travel to Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and
Lebanon. British nationals in need of assistance should contact
+972 (0)2 725 1222.
