Babak Belurs

Rabu, 18 Oktober 2023

PMQs: Rishi Sunak urged to back call for Israel and Gaza ceasefire - BBC

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By Becky Morton

BBC political reporter

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being urged to call for a ceasefire to protect civilians in Israel and Gaza.

More than 40 MPs have backed the calls to prevent further loss of life and allow access to medicines, food, fuel and water to Gaza.

During PMQs, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn asked Mr Sunak if he would join calls for an immediate ceasefire.

In response, the prime minister said Israel had "a right to defend itself".

"We believe that Israel does have a right to defend itself, to protect its people, and to act against terrorism and ensure that the awful attack that we've seen from Hamas cannot happen again," he told MPs.

"Unlike Hamas, the Israelis, including the president, have made it clear that their armed forces will operate in accordance with international law.

"And we will continue to urge the Israelis to take every precaution to avoid harming civilians."

Later, the PM's official spokesman said Mr Sunak does not think it is the right time for a ceasefire, as Israel is working to "recover hostages who have been seized by a terrorist organisation".

Speaking in the Commons, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said "all reasonable people" wanted the situation to be resolved quickly but that Israel was "forced to engage [in the conflict] because of the mass murder in their country".

He added: "Calls for ceasefires are all well and good but I have seen nothing which leads me to believe Hamas would respect calls for a ceasefire."

More on Israel-Gaza war

Follow live: Latest updates
Explained: What's going on in Gaza and Israel, and why now?
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Hamas's attack on Israel: Who are the hostages?
Inside Gaza: The families who won't evacuate

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said MPs must "strive to speak with one voice in condemnation of terror, in support of Israel's right to self-defence", as well as backing humanitarian access to those suffering in Gaza and the upholding of international law.

He added that medicines, food, fuel and water must be allowed into Gaza immediately.

Asked if Sir Keir supported calls for a ceasefire, a spokesman for the Labour leader said: "We have repeatedly said that Israel has the right to defend itself and has the right to act to retrieve hostages."

Labour MP Richard Burgon has laid a parliamentary motion calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and "unfettered access" to humanitarian aid for civilians.

The motion is supported by more than 25 Labour MPs, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who now sits as an independent, as well as MPs from other parties including the Conservatives, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru.

Aid agencies and United Nations general secretary Antonio Guterres have also called for a ceasefire in the region and for emergency supplies to be allowed into Gaza.

Mr Sunak said it was right to support the Palestinian people "because they are victims of Hamas too".

The PM highlighted an extra £10m of UK humanitarian aid which has been announced, and said he had also raised humanitarian access in "all of my conversations, as a priority, with every leader in the region".

British officials are working to secure the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow UK citizens to flee to Egypt and for humanitarian aid to get into Gaza.

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It comes after an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, which killed nearly 500 people, according to Palestinian health officials.

Hamas said the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike but the Israeli military say it was the result of a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad - an accusation the militant group rejected.

Mr Sunak said British intelligence services had been working rapidly to independently establish who was behind the blast.

He urged MPs not to "rush to judgment before we have all the facts on this awful situation".

Israeli warplanes and artillery have been bombarding Gaza in response to an unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October by the main Palestinian militant group, Hamas, which killed 1,300 people.

More than 3,000 people have been reported killed by strikes on Gaza.

Since Hamas's deadly attacks, Israel has blocked fuel, water, food and medical supplies from entering the territory and is demanding the release of scores of hostages taken into Gaza by the militants.

Mr Sunak said the UK was working "round the clock" to free hostages taken by Hamas.

At least seven British nationals have been confirmed dead following the attack on Israel.

Downing Street said nine more UK nationals remained missing.

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2023-10-18 13:59:48Z
2533341452

Israel-Hamas war: Rishi Sunak fails to endorse calls for ceasefire - Sky News

Rishi Sunak has failed to endorse cross-party calls for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

In response to a question from the SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the prime minster said Israel has a "right to defend itself, to protect its people and to act against terrorism and ensure that the awful attack we've seen from Hamas cannot happen again".

He added: "And unlike Hamas, the Israelis, including the president, have made it clear that their armed forces will operate accordance with international law. And we will continue to urge the Israelis to take every precaution to avoid harming civilians."

Mr Sunak's words came after more than 30 MPs supported calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities between both sides to protect further loss of civilian life.

Thirty-seven MPs, including 26 from Labour, backed an early day motion urging Mr Sunak and his Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to "press all parties to agree to an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, for the release of the Israeli hostages, an end to the total siege of Gaza and for unfettered access of lifesaving humanitarian aid".

The motion, which was also signed by Conservative MP and father of the house Sir Peter Bottomley, said that parliament "utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas" and that it agrees with the UN that "these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people".

It said the UK must use its influence "to help protect civilians, to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law and to guarantee civilians have access to critical life-saving humanitarian support".

MPs use early day motions to put on record their views and those of their colleagues as well as to draw attention to specific events or campaigns.

The motion today came following reports of discontent within the Labour Party at Sir Keir Starmer's initial response to Israel's bombardment of Gaza, which came following the terrorist attack by Hamas which killed more than 1,400 Israelis.

In response to the deadly assault, Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes in Gaza in a bid to eliminate the terror group's senior figures. It also limited supplies of water and power to the area, which is home to 2.2 million civilians.

In an interview with LBC after the attack last weekend, the Labour leader said Israel "has the right" to withhold power and water from Gaza, before adding: "Obviously, everything should be done within international law."

His words have reportedly caused unhappiness among some Labour councillors, some of whom have resigned in protest - including Amna Abdullatif, the first Arab Muslim woman elected to Manchester City Council, and Russell Whiting in Colwick.

One Labour councillor told Sky News that the leader's office had been holding telephone conferences with council leaders to get feedback on the situation locally.

"No one has told me of any threat of 'mass resignations' but clearly a lot of councillors were not happy with the initial front bench response, which many saw as a free pass to Israel to take whatever action they wanted to do," they said.

In a bid to address the issue, Sir Keir has written to Labour councillors in which he expressed sympathy for the situation of civilians living inside Gaza.

In the letter, seen by Sky News, the Labour leader said Gaza was facing a "humanitarian emergency".

"There must be humanitarian corridors and humanitarian access, including food, water, electricity and medicines. And there must be proper protection for all those who work selflessly so aid can be delivered to victims.

"This is an urgent situation and innocent Palestinians need to know the world is not simply watching, but acting, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe."

He said he was "acutely aware of the shocking rise in Islamophobia, and antisemitic attacks," adding: "I know some of you have yourselves been victims."

Calls for a ceasefire have mounted today in response to the bombing of a hospital in Gaza, which Palestinian officials say has killed at least 500 people.

Israel has denied any involvement and said the blast was caused by a misfired rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group - which also has rejected responsibility.

Downing Street said today it was "deeply irresponsible" to jump to conclusions over the explosion at al Ahli hospital.

The prime minister's official spokesman said "no-one should be taking at face value the word of a terrorist organisation" after Hamas blamed the Israeli military for the blast.

And asked whether the prime minister did not think the moment is right for a ceasefire, the spokesman said "part of Israel's work is to recover hostages who have been seized by a terrorist organisation".

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2023-10-18 12:33:45Z
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UK weather latest: Danger to life as rare red warning issued ahead of Storm Babet - The Telegraph

A rare red warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Scotland on Thursday, meaning “very dangerous” weather is expected that is likely to pose a “risk to life”.

The agency warns of “exceptional rainfall” of up to 250mm in places as Storm Babet continues to rage across the UK.

The Met Office said that in the areas of Montrose, Forfar, Brechin and Inverbervie in eastern Scotand there would be “exceptionally heavy and persistent rain” from Thursday evening.

A red warning means that those in the area should “take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather”, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies likely.

The last time the Met Office issued a red warning for rain was in Wales in February 2020, when the UK was hit by Storm Dennis.

Scotland has not had a red warning for rain since September 2015, when Storm Desmond caused significant rainfall.

The warning will come into effect from 6pm on Thursday until 12:00pm on Friday.

Follow the latest developments below

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2023-10-18 12:09:04Z
2526507806

Selasa, 17 Oktober 2023

British teen missing in Hamas attack confirmed dead, family say - BBC

By Lucy Manning, special correspondent, and Sean Seddon

BBC News

A British teenager who went missing after Hamas's attack on southern Israel was murdered, her family have told BBC News.

Yahel, 13, disappeared after militants attacked Kibbutz Be'eri and killed her British-born mother Lianne.

Family members have now confirmed to BBC News that Yahel was also killed. Her sister Noiya, 16, and Israeli father Eli are still missing.

Rishi Sunak said on Monday that "at least" six British citizens have died.

The prime minister told Parliament that another 10 people are missing, and the government fears some of those unaccounted for were also killed in the attack.

On Monday, Lianne's British family said she was "a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend who enriched the lives of all those lucky enough to have known and loved her".

"She lived a beautiful life and will be sorely missed by the heartbroken family and friends she leaves behind," they said.

Speaking to the BBC while Yahel was still thought to be missing, the family described her as "funny, all the time" and said she loved to sing and dance.

The family has not released the girls' surname.

British sisters Noiya and Yahel holding hands

WhatsApp messages seen by the BBC reveal the chaos that engulfed the Be'eri community when Hamas militants began targeting southern Israel with rockets at around 06:30 local time on 7 October.

Lianne messaged family members to say she could hear gunfire and shouting in Arabic nearby. Living so close to the Gaza barrier, she was no stranger to security alerts. But "this is a whole other story", she told them.

Her husband's brother Yossi, his wife Nira, and their three daughters were also caught up in the attack.

Extended family members who were trying to contact their relatives in the kibbutz refrained from sending messages because they feared the sound of their phones could give them away if they were hiding from the gunmen.

Seven hours passed before they received word from Be'eri about the scale of the attack.

Yossi and one of his children have officially been declared as hostages.

More on Israel Gaza war

Follow live: Latest updates
Explained: What's going on in Gaza and Israel, and why now?
History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Hamas's attack on Israel: Who are the hostages?
Inside Gaza: The families who won't evacuate

International development minister Andrew Mitchell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the government was "extremely concerned" about missing British nationals in Israel.

He would not be drawn on whether discussions were taking place about the return of hostages via direct channels with Gazan authorities, but said the UK was doing "everything" it can to secure their release.

At least 1,400 Israelis were killed in the Hamas attack when gunmen infiltrated communities near the Gaza Strip.

More than 2,700 Palestinians have been killed in numerous air strikes against Gaza by the Israeli military that were launched following the attack.

Around 500 British nationals have left Israel in recent days on flights chartered by the British government.

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Israel Gaza war

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2023-10-17 08:44:02Z
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Outrage as Shapps and Dowden laugh during Sunak's answers on Hamas attack 'pogrom' - The Independent

Senior cabinet ministers Grant Shapps and Oliver Dowden have faced a backlash after they were spotted laughing in the Commons as Rishi Sunak addressed Hamas’s “pogrom” in Israel.

The defence secretary and deputy prime minister appeared to share a joke as they chatted while Mr Sunak was answering questions on the terrorist attack which saw 1,400 Israelis killed.

Mr Shapps and Mr Dowden were then seen smiling and giggling – just as the PM said he wanted to work for a “better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people” in the midst of the “tragedy”.

Many on social media condemned their behaviour as “disrespectful” and “disgraceful” – calling on the senior Tory ministers to say sorry.

Best for Britain, the internationalist campaign group, said it was “completely unacceptable” and called on the PM to demand an apology from Mr Shapps and Mr Dowden.

Tom Brufatto, policy director for the group said: “The sight of two of this government’s most senior representatives smirking like schoolboys during this most serious debate was completely unacceptable. Sunak should show leadership and demand they apologise.”

The writer and political commentator Gerry Hassan said the fact that ministers had “giggled together” showed “Tory statecraft as ministers act like children”.

“Sunak gives a sincere statement on the Israel-Hamas crisis. Dowden and Shapps chuckle away like schoolboys behind him,” said Owen Williams – arguing that it showed “an unserious government”.

Tory MP Michael Fabricant joined the criticism, saying on Twitter / X that it was “very silly of them” to laugh during the debate.

The Independent has asked Mr Dowden and Mr Shapps for comment – but there was no response to the criticism and calls for an apology.

The amusement from the ministers came as Mr Sunak responded to a question from former Tory minister Nadhim Zahawi, who said “Gaza and the world will need Israel to show her best self after this war”.

The PM thanked him for the “powerful statement” and said: “We can’t lose sight of the better future that we strive for, and indeed my conversations with leaders have already been thinking about that.

“It’s something I raised with the prime minister of Israel as well. We all want that better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and hopefully, out of this tragedy, we will find a way to move closer toward it.”

Mr Sunak called the “barbaric” attacks by Hamas as a “pogrom”, as he told the Commons that at least six British citizens have been killed in Israel while another 10 are missing.

The PM said Britain stands with Israel when he repeated his support for the country’s right to defend itself as it prepares for to “go after Hamas [and] take back hostages” with a ground invasion of Gaza.

The Tory leader also called for “every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians” – arguing that Israel’s military push to destroy Hamas “must be done in line with international humanitarian law”.

Mr Sunak announced an extra £10m in UK aid for the Palestinian people, and called on Israel and Egypt to open up the Rafah border crossing to allow urgently needed humanitarian supplies.

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2023-10-17 09:25:48Z
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Weather maps show where the worst rain will fall in Wales during Storm Babet - Wales Online

Weather maps by the Met Office have shown where the heaviest rain will fall in Wales this week due to the influence of Storm Babet. On Monday, October 16, the forecaster issued a warning of heavy rain, which is then set to move into the west of the UK, brining increasingly wet and windy weather.

The forecaster predicts that rain will spread more widely across the UK on Wednesday, October 18, bringing heavy downpours to most parts through the day. As the rain moves northwards it will stall across central and eastern parts of Scotland where the rain will become heavy and persistent from Thursday, October 19, through to Saturday, October 21.

According to meteorologists, Storm Babet will bring impactful rain to many parts of the UK, but especially parts of eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England later this week. Although there are no weather warnings in place for Wales so far, a spokesperson for the Met Office has confirmed that the storm will bring residual impact to Wales.

Here's what the weather maps predict for Wales this week:

Tuesday, October 17

For Tuesday, weather maps for Wales show that it will be mostly dry through out the day. However, it will be windy, especially over the hills and coast according to the Met Office.

Wednesday, October 18

3am

By 3am on Wednesday, rain will have reached south and west Wales, with its heaviest in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend area.

7am

By 7am, parts of the Valleys could be experiencing 4-8mm/ hour of rainfall.

9am

By 9am, the rain will have spread to other parts of Wales. Patches of rain will be in parts of south Wales, Pembrokeshire, parts of Powys and Ceredigion, as well as north Wales, especially in Gwynedd and Anglesey.

1pm

By Wednesday afternoon, most of Wales will be dry but the Valleys set to experience some downpour.

5pm

By 5pm, rain will be at its heaviest in south of Wales, with potentially 4-8mm/hour of downpour for places such as Cardiff.

7pm

Most of Wales will be experiencing rainy weather by 7pm on Wednesday evening. The heaviest downpours could be seen in parts of Carmarthenshire, Powys and Pembrokeshire.

9pm

The heavy downpour will now have spread into north Wales.

Thursday, October 19

1am

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the heaviest downpour of rain will have reached west Wales' coastline.

4am

By 4am, the heaviest downpour will be in Gwynedd, as well as parts of the Valleys.

7am

A large band of rain will spread from mid-Wales in Powys to the south-west coastline down in Pembrokeshire.

1pm

A heavy band of rain will be pouring in the southern part of Powys as well as parts of Monmouthshire.

4pm

By 4pm on Thursday, there will be a scattering of rain across Wales. According to weather maps, the heaviest will be in parts of south Wales with as much as 32 mm/hour of rainfall.

10pm

Most of Thursday's evening will remain dry for large parts of Wales, but there will be a cluster of rain in some parts.

Friday, October 20

4am

In the early hours of Friday morning, there will be a scattering of showers across mid-Wales. Its heaviest is predicted to fall on one part of north Wales' coastline.

7am

By 7am, 32 mm/hour rainfall could be reaching parts of south Wales. Other parts of Wales will also be experiencing heavy rainfall, including in Powys and Conwy.

10am

Large parts of Wales will be experiencing heavy rain, especially in north and south west Wales. Its heaviest will have reach parts of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire in the south, while parts of Ceredigion and Powys will also be experiencing heavy rainfall according to the weather maps.

1pm

A band of rain will cover Wales at 1pm on Friday. Its heaviest will be in north Powys, reaching to neighbouring county of Wrexham in the north.

7pm

By Friday evening, heavy downpour will be in Pen Llyn over in Gwynedd as well as Newtown and neighbouring areas in Powys. Southwest Wales will remain largely dry.

10pm

A band of heavy rain will have reached Ceredigion's coastline by 10pm on Friday evening, while clusters of heavy rain will be pouring in Powys.

Saturday, October 21

7am

Large parts of Wales will remain dry on Saturday morning, with a scattering of showers affecting north Wales.

1pm

By Saturday afternoon, most of the rain will have cleared.

10pm

And by Saturday evening, most of Wales will remain dry with only a few showers dotted in Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Anglesey.

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2023-10-17 06:51:00Z
2526507806

Outrage as Shapps and Dowden laugh during Sunak's answers on Hamas attack 'pogrom' - The Independent

Senior cabinet ministers Grant Shapps and Oliver Dowden have faced a backlash after they were spotted laughing in the Commons as Rishi Sunak addressed Hamas’s “pogrom” in Israel.

The defence secretary and deputy prime minister appeared to share a joke as they chatted while Mr Sunak was answering questions on the terrorist attack which saw 1,400 Israelis killed.

Many on social media condemned their behaviour as “disrespectful” and “disgraceful” – calling on the senior Tory ministers to apologise.

Best for Britain, the internationalist campaign group, said: “This is completely unacceptable.”

The writer and political commentator Gerry Hassan said the fact that ministers had “giggled together” showed “Tory statecraft as ministers act like children”.

The Independent has asked Mr Dowden and Mr Shapps for comment – but there was no response to the criticism and calls for an apology.

Mr Sunak called the “barbaric” attacks by Hamas as a “pogrom”, as he told the Commons that at least six British citizens have been killed in Israel while another 10 are missing.

Mr Sunak announced an extra £10m in UK aid for the Palestinian people, and called on Israel and Egypt to open up the Rafah border crossing to allow urgently needed humanitarian supplies.

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Rabu, 18 Oktober 2023

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