British Foreign Minister visited the southern city of Ofakim, during a solidarity visit in the aftermath of Hamas’ assault on southern Israel in which at least 1,200 people were killed and over 100 taken hostage.
It’s believed that at least 17 British citizens were killed or taken captive.
Both Cleverly and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have spoken out strongly in the last few days in support of Israel.
“I came directly here to show solidarity to you and the people of Israel to discuss… how we can regain peace and security for your country,” Cleverly said.
He spoke with reporters together with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen who accompanied him along with Foreign Ministry staff.
“Of course, we recognize that when a good friend, as Israel is to the UK, experiences a terrible situation like this, it is important that your friends around the world demonstrate solidarity and support
“And that you regain the people that have been kidnapped,” Cleverly said.
The world stands with Israel
He recalled how he had woken up to the news of the attack on Saturday morning and had met on Monday with Israel’s Ambassador to Great Britain Tzipi Hotovely.
Cohen said that Cleverly’s visit shows how the “world stands by Israel in these difficult and sad days.”
To Cleverly, he said, “you came all the way from London to our southern border to hear about the huge massacre” and Israelis “woke up to a black Saturday.”
“Britain is one of our biggest and closest allies in Europe. You are always in our heart and we will never forget that you came,” he Cohen said.
He noted to the media that on Sunday the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky and visited Israel.
“The solidarity visits strengthen international support for Israel and expose the visitors to the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists,” Cohen said.
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