British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced today, Monday, that a very large number of civilian lives have been lost in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, reiterating his call for a "sustainable ceasefire" to allow for the release of hostages. Sunak's spokesperson stated that a sustainable ceasefire is one that can last, but added that Britain does not call for an immediate and general ceasefire.
As fierce fighting has escalated on the ground this month throughout Gaza, and with a humanitarian disaster emerging, some leaders have begun to intensify their rhetoric regarding the increasing number of civilian Palestinian casualties. Sunak told reporters in Scotland today, "Israel must do this in accordance with humanitarian law."
The British Prime Minister added, "It is clear that far too many civilian lives have been lost. Therefore, we have been consistent... in calling for a sustainable ceasefire, in which hostages are released, Hamas stops launching rockets at Israel, and we continue to bring in more aid."
Last week, Britain abstained from voting in the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution that overwhelmingly called for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons. Sunak's spokesperson stated today, "For now, we want to see periods of humanitarian ceasefire immediately and we want them to lead to a sustainable ceasefire as soon as possible." He added, "We do not believe that calling now for a general and immediate ceasefire, in the hope that it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward."
