The British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, has made a trip to Israel, visiting kibbutz Be’eri, the scene of some of the worst violence during the Hamas assault inside Israel on October 7, 2023.
“I wanted to come here to see it for myself; I have heard and seen things I will never forget,” the new UK foreign secretary and former prime minister said in an X post.
“Today is also a day where we hope to see progress on the humanitarian pause. This is a crucial opportunity to get hostages out and aid into Gaza, to help Palestinian civilians who are facing a growing humanitarian crisis.”
David Cameron
“This is a crucial opportunity to get hostages out and aid into Gaza, to help Palestinian civilians who are facing a growing humanitarian crisis,” said Cameron, who is also due to visit the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen showed Britain’s new foreign minister around the kibbutz, where he was given horrific details about the 7 October Hamas attack on the community.
Cohen said, “World leaders need to see the horrors of Hamas with their own eyes.”
As part of his visit, Cameron met Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We hope to get our hostages out, there are many challenges on the way,” the Israeli prime minister told Cameron.
“We hope to get the first group out, and after that, we are committed to getting everyone out,” Netanyahu added.
Cameron also averred, “There is never any excuse for this sort of hostage-taking.
“All the hostages should be released, but I hope that everyone who is responsible and behind this agreement can make it happen, to bring relief to those families, including, of course, there are British nationals who have been taken hostage.”
David Cameron
Lord Cameron’s visit comes a day after he met counterparts from Arab and Islamic countries – including the Palestinian Authority – at Lancaster House in London to discuss the Middle East crisis.
Cameron Meets Israeli President
Moreover, the UK Foreign Minister held talks with Israeli President, Isaac Herzog.
In a post on X, Herzog thanked Cameron for his support and friendship. He also thanked Cameron for visiting Kibbutz Be’eri, “and seeing for yourself the terrible crimes committed by Hamas.”
“We appreciate greatly your solidarity and your support for the ongoing efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas,” Herzog noted.
“I was pleased to discuss with you the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and hear of the United Kingdom’s valuable contribution and cooperation for improving the situation,” he added.
Earlier, Herzog met with Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez and Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo.
Herzog said on X the European leaders share Israel’s “deep pain” following the October 7 Hamas attack.
“In these critical hours, as we pray and work for the return of our hostages held captive in Gaza, I made clear that Israel has the right to defend itself, and that we are committed to international humanitarian law, as we are committed to working for a better future for the people of Israel and the whole region.”
Isaac Herzog
More than 14,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.
The Spanish and Belgian Prime Ministers are expected to meet Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas during the visit.
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