James Cleverly ran for cover when air raid sirens sounded during a ‘solidarity’ visit to Israel.
The Foreign Secretary had to be rushed to shelter in Ofakim as he experienced the ongoing threat at first hand.
Mr Cleverly said Britain’s support for Israel is ‘unwavering’ as he arrived in the country following the Hamas attacks.
While the King sent a message condemning the ‘barbaric acts of terrorism’, the minister met survivors of the attacks and senior Israeli leaders.
Video released by Israel’s foreign ministry showed Mr Cleverly chatting with Rachel Adari, who managed to placate the fighters who invaded her home by offering them cookies and coffee during a 15-hour ordeal.
Mr Cleverly said today that a ‘significant number’ of British-Israeli nationals had been caught up in the conflict, which has already claimed at least 2,100 lives on both sides.
At least seventeen British nationals are currently feared dead or missing, the BBC reported – citing an official source. Previous estimates put the figure at 10.
Meanwhile, British Airways said this afternoon that it has suspended flights to and from Israel because of safety concerns.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that Charles is ‘extremely concerned’ about the situation.
‘His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak.
‘His Majesty is appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel.’
Speaking to journalists during his visit, Mr Cleverly said Israel ‘has a right to self defence’ and try to ‘regain those people who have been kidnapped’.
‘What we do know is that Hamas habilitually embeds its military capabilities, its terrorist capabilities within civilian populations.
‘What we want to see is as few casualties as possible.
Today, Israeli forces conducted 250 airstrikes in just one hour across northern and eastern parts of the Gaza strip.
The UK and US governments have given firm backing to Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration in the wake of the incursion by Palestinian terrorists.
Mr Cleverly’s visit to Israel comes amid fears that the conflict, which has already claimed at least 2,100 lives on both sides, could escalate further.
The UK Government has not confirmed any figures for those believed dead or missing, pointing to the fast-moving situation in the region.
Among those known to have died is Nathanel Young, 20, who was serving in the Israeli army when he was killed during Hamas’s attack.
Bernard Cowan, who grew up around Glasgow, also died.
Jack Marlowe, 26, who went to the same London school as Mr Young, is believed to be missing, while photographer Dan Darlington is feared dead.
A post from Mr Darlington’s sister Shelley on social media said he was ‘murdered’ at Nir Oz, a kibbutz in southern Israel.
His death has not been officially confirmed.
Source: dialymail.co.uk
