Israel war latest: Rishi Sunak lands in Egypt for talks on Gaza humanitarian aid and hostages

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has landed in Egypt as his diplomatic efforts in the Middle East continue amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Mr Sunak was pictured greeting president of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with whom he is due to have talks. Egypt shares a border with both Israel and Gaza.

Downing Street said the UK’s "priority” is to focus on the opening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only border point not controlled by Tel Aviv, to allow humanitarian aid to enter and for British nationals to leave the bombarded territory.

Egypt is reportedly set to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza on Friday for the first time since Israel mounted a full blockade of the border in retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,400 civilian deaths.

Israeli earlier on Friday began evacuating the sizeable town of Kiryat Shmona near the Lebanese border in the latest sign of a potential ground invasion that could trigger regional turmoil.

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis in the south, where Palestinians had been told to seek safety. More than 4,100 people have been killed in Gaza in subsequent Israeli airstrikes.

20:39 , Tom Davidson

Hamas militants have freed an American woman and her teenage daughter who had been held hostage in the Gaza Strip, following a deal reportedly brokered by the Qatari government.

Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are out of the Gaza Strip and in the hands of the Israeli military, an army spokesman confirmed on Friday night.

Hamas said it had released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government. They still hold dozens of captives.

Read more here.

Rafah border crossing to reopen ‘imminently’

18:19 , Tom Davidson

The Rafah border crossing should reopen “imminently” to allow aid into Gaza, Rishi Sunak has confirmed after meeting the Qatari and Egyptian leaders in crisis talks.

The Prime Minister said that getting aid trucks into Gaza was the “immediate priority” after meeting Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Egypt.

And earlier he stated he had agreed with the Amir of Qatar, who he met in Saudi Arabia, that world leaders must do “everything possible to prevent” the violence in Israel and Gaza from spilling over into a wider Middle East conflict.

Read the full story here.

Man arrested over alleged Hamas support in London bailed - police

18:11 , Tom Davidson

A man arrested on suspicion of supporting Hamas at a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London on Tuesday has been bailed.

The Metropolitan Police said the 31-year-old man was arrested in the Whitehall area by officers on suspicion of displaying an banner supportive of a proscribed organisation (under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

He was later further arrested on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organisation (under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

He has been bailed to a date in November as the investigation, led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, continues.

Hamas release two US hostages - US media

18:03 , Tom Davidson

Two US hostages in Gaza released by Hamas

Anti-Semitic offences on the rise since Hamas attack

17:45 , Tom Davidson

At least 533 antisemitic incidents have been recorded across the UK by the Community Security Trust (CST) since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7.

The charity, which protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats, said this is the highest ever total reported to CST across a 14-day period.

The total, covering October 7 to October 20 inclusive, is provisional and is likely to rise as delayed reports come through and incidents are verified, the charity added.

The CST said it had recorded 71 antisemitic incidents over the same 14 days in 2022, meaning the number is more than seven times higher for the same period this year.

Sunak calls for Gaza aid as a 'priority'

17:22 , Tom Davidson

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said getting humanitarian aid to those in Gaza is an “immediate priority” and the UK has been in discussions with Egypt on how to provide “practical assistance on the ground”.

He told reporters: “When I met with President El-Sisi earlier today, he and I had a good discussion about how the UK can provide practical assistance on the ground to ensure the sustainability of that aid through the crossing to the people who need it.

“The immediate priority right now though, is to get humanitarian aid to the people who need it in Gaza.

“That’s why we’ve increased our funding and are providing practical support on the ground in cooperation with others to do that and longer term, we all share a vision of a future where Palestinian people can live with dignity with freedom and security and we need to work hard to make that happen.”

Sunak praises Egyptian aid efforts

16:27 , Sami Quadri

Rishi Sunak has praised Egypt’s efforts in attempting to secure the delivery of aid to the people in Gaza.

Addressing Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi ahead of their bilateral talks on Friday, the Prime Minister said: “Can I first commend you for what you have done on the Rafah crossing?

“It is something you and I discussed when we spoke a while ago and we believe very strongly about providing extra humanitarian aid into Gaza and we look forward to playing an important role, together with Egypt, in making sure that aid can get to people as quickly as possible. You deserve enormous praise for your role in making this possible.

“I also want to share with you my thoughts that what Hamas did, and I know you agree, was an appalling act of terrorism. And we now mourn the loss of every innocent life that has been lost, people of every faith, of every nationality.

“Palestinians are victims of Hamas too. And that is why what we are doing on the aid side together is so important.

“And I also share with you a vision for the Palestinian people where they can live with security and opportunity and dignity. And I know that these are all the topics you and I will have an opportunity to discuss now, and I’m grateful for our partnership at this difficult time.”

White House asks Congress for $106bn (£87.3bn) for Ukraine and Israel

15:57 , Sami Quadri

The White House on Friday asked Congress for nearly $106bn to fund ambitious plans for Ukraine, Israel and US bordersecurity.

President Joe Biden’s request for funding comes days after he visited Israel and pledged solidarity as the country bombards Gaza following an attack by Hamas that killed 1,400 people in southern Israel.

The Democratic president's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas' attack on Israel represent a "global inflection point."

"This budget request is critical to advancing America's national security and ensuring the safety of the American people," Sullivan said.

German interior minister calls for deportation of Hamas supporters

14:53 , Sami Quadri

Germany's interior minister said Hamas supporters should be deported from the country where possible.

"If we are able to deport Hamas supporters, we must do this," Nancy Faeser told reporters following talks with officials at the Federal Criminal Police Office.

"Our security authorities have currently placed an even stronger focus on the Islamist scene," Faeser added, pointing to a recent attack in Brussels as an indication of the threat relating to tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Egypt 'not to blame for closure of Rafah crossing'

14:47 , Josh Salisbury

Egypt has said it is not to blame for the closure of the Rafah crossing between it and the Gaza strip.

It said it was not responsible "despite Israeli targeted attacks and the refusal of the entry of aid."

"Rafah crossing is open and Egypt is not responsible of obstructing third-country nationals exit," said Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid.

Met Police: Hate crimes have surged as 21 arrests made

14:16 , Josh Salisbury

Hate crimes have surged in London towards both Jews and Muslims amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Met Police said.

Between October 1 and October 18, the Met said it saw 218 antisemitic offences compared to 15 in the same period last year and an increase in Islamophobic offences from 42, to 101.

These represent percentage rises of 1,353 per cent and 140 per cent respectively.

21 arrests have been made in connection with the reports so far, including a man detained on suspicion of defacing posters of missing Israelis in Camden.

The force said it had also arrested another man in relation to 10 incidents of Islamophobic graffiti on bus stops in the New Malden and Raynes Park.

Cleverly to attend Cairo peace summit

13:42 , Sami Quadri

British foreign secretary James Cleverly will attend a summit in Egypt on Saturday to discuss the escalating war between Israel and Hamas.

Cleverly will emphasise Britain's desire to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating in the region and to mitigate the threat from Hamas. He is also expected to discuss efforts to get aid into Gaza.

Sunak lands in Egypt for Israel-Palestine talks

13:29 , Sami Quadri

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has landed in Egypt, No 10 has confirmed, as his diplomatic efforts in the Middle East continue.

He is due to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Downing Street said the UK’s “priority” is to focus on the opening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only border point not controlled by Tel Aviv, to allow humanitarian aid to enter and for British nationals to leave the bombarded territory.

Protesters say Labour has blood on its hands outside party’s HQ

13:27 , Sami Quadri

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanted “Labour Party blood on your hands” while protesting outside the party’s HQ in London to condemn its stance on the Israel-Hamas war.

Demonstrators at the protest, organised by London Palestine Action, chanted “Labour Party shame on you” and “no more money for Israel’s crimes” on Friday morning.

Protesters expressed disappointment that Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer failed to recognise “international war crimes committed by Israel”.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Ezra, 30, from London, who is Jewish, accused Sir Keir of exploiting antisemitism for “personal and political gain”.

She said: “He has tried very hard recently to put out some statements to appease people but we see right through him.

“He can’t undo the damage he’s done already, he can’t undo the licence he has given Israel to commit war crimes and the damage he has done within the Jewish community.”

China sends envoy to the Middle East

13:07 , Sami Quadri

China has sent an envoy to the Middle East to push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in the latest sign of its ambition to play a larger role in the region.

Envoy Zhai Jun's held a meeting in Qatar with a Russian counterpart on Thursday as the two countries stake out a position at odds with the American approach.

The two sides confirmed their "unwavering focus on closely coordinating efforts for the political settlement of this and other crises in the Middle East and North Africa region," Russia's Foreign Ministry said, according to the country's Tass state news agency.

At least 4,137 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since October 7

12:52 , Sami Quadri

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed and 13,000 wounded in Gaza in Israeli strikes since October 7, the Palestinian health ministry said on Friday in a statement.

Israel aims to end its responsibility for Gaza Strip

12:34 , Sami Quadri

Israel's defense minister on Friday said that one objective in the military campaign in the Gaza Strip is to end Israel's responsibility over the Palestinian coastal enclave.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made the remarks during a briefing to parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, his office said.

"Gallant detailed the objectives of the campaign including the elimination of Hamas and destruction of both its military and governing capabilities, the complete removal of Israeli responsibility from the Gaza strip, and the creation of a new security reality in the region," the statement said.

Israeli air strike targets Hezbollah cell near Lebanon border

12:09 , Sami Quadri

An Israeli air strike on Friday targeted three Hezbollah militants near the Lebanese border, Israel's military said.

"Three Hezbollah terrorists were identified in the area of the border with Lebanon. IDF (Israel Defense Forces) aircraft struck the terrorists," it said.

"In addition, a short while ago, IDF snipers opened fire toward gunmen that were identified operating in the area of the border with Lebanon."

Downing Street urges pro-Palestine protesters 'to consider the fear and distress felt by many families in this country'

12:01 , Sami Quadri

Downing Street has urged people attending pro-Palestine marches to “be mindful” of the “fear and distress felt by many families in this country”.

A No 10 spokeswoman said demonstrators must be “free to peacefully express their views”, but that police should “take the strongest action” where antisemitism and other forms of hate are promoted.

“We’re clear that people must remain free to peacefully express their views and protest is an important part of our democracy, but we also recognise that this is clearly a deeply distressing time for many, and we would appeal to everyone across the country and those who are considering joining these protests to be mindful of that – and to consider the fear and distress felt by many families in this country over the distressing events that we’ve seen,” she said.

“With regard to clamping down on antisemitism and any forms of hatred and abuse, we’re very clear that the police should take the strongest action where they see that and use the full extent of the law to crack down on criminality.”

UN chief: Aid trucks need to enter Gaza as fast as possible

11:42 , Sami Quadri

Aid trucks must be allowed to enter Gaza as quickly as possible, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

He called for a meaningful number of trucks to enter Gaza every day and for verifications of aid to be done in a way that is practical and expedited.

"We are actively engaging with all parties to make sure conditions for delivering aid are lifted," he said.

Pictured: Graffiti reading 'Free Palestine' on the Monument a la Republique in Paris

11:30 , Sami Quadri

Graffiti reading 'Free Palestine' is seen written on the side of the Monument a la Republique at the Place de la Republique in Paris following pro-Palestinian protests on Friday.

Protests outside US Embassy in Indonesia over Israeli airstrikes

11:10 , Sami Quadri

Protesters marched from several mosques to the heavily guarded US Embassy in Indonesia's capital Friday to denounce the staunch American support for Israel and demand an end to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

Similar protests also took place in front of the United Nations mission, a few miles from the embassy, and in the compound of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Authorities estimated that about 1,000 people participated in the rallies across Jakarta following Friday prayers in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Several people reportedly killed after orthodox church hit by Israeli air strike in Gaza

10:13 , Sami Quadri

A Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip which was sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians was hit overnight by an Israeli air strike, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Palestinian health officials said.

Gaza health officials said the attack on the church claimed lives and wounded many others.

The Israeli military said a part of the church was damaged in a strike on a militant command centre and it was reviewing the incident.

Palestinian officials said at least 500 Muslims and Christians had taken shelter in the church from Israeli bombardments.

The Hamas militant group, which controls Gaza, said at least two people were killed and dozens wounded, many in critical condition. There was no word from the church on any final death toll.

The Orthodox Church said in a statement: "The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses its strongest condemnation of the Israeli air strike that has struck its church compound in the city of Gaza."

Starmer: More needs to be done to get aid into Gaza

09:50 , Sami Quadri

Sir Keir Starmer said “much more” progress is needed in getting humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Asked what he thought the Prime Minister should be doing in relation to the crisis in the Middle East, the Labour leader told broadcasters: “I think any effort to ensure there isn’t any escalation is obviously welcome. I think there are two priorities, now urgent priorities.

“The first is Hamas must release the hostages that are being held in Gaza.

“And secondly, urgently, we need that humanitarian aid to get in.

“The food, the water, the fuel, the medicines. Obviously there’s been some progress but much more is needed. It’s urgent. There are many innocent civilians in Gaza.”

Dutch government advises citizens against travelling to Lebanon

09:42 , Sami Quadri

The Dutch government on Friday advised its citizens against any travel to Lebanon and also urged those still in the country "to leave Lebanon as soon as possible".

"As a consequence of unpredictable developments between Israel and the Palestinian Territories, there are heightened tensions in Lebanon," the government said in statement.

Sunak and Qatar Emir agree on need to prevent war escalation

09:32 , Sami Quadri

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani agreed on Friday on the need to prevent escalation of violence across the Middle East and urgently get humanitarian aid into Gaza.

"They underlined the imperative of avoiding any escalation in the violence across the region and agreed that leaders had a responsibility to do everything possible to prevent it," Sunak's office said in statement following a meeting between the pair.

"They agreed on the urgent need to get food, water and medicine to civilians who are suffering."

Starmer says Israel does not have the right to withhold aid from Gaza

09:27 , Sami Quadri

Sir Keir Starmer has said Israel does not have the right to withhold humanitarian aid from Gaza as he sought to clarify his remarks about the siege after sparking concern.

Speaking to broadcasters, the Labour leader said: “I know that LBC clip has been widely shared and caused real concern and distress in some Muslim communities so let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn’t saying.

“I was saying that Israel has the right to self-defence, and when I said that right I meant it was that right to self-defence. I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.

“On the contrary. For over a week now, I have been leading the charge calling for that humanitarian aid to come in.

“We all know there are innocent civilians in Gaza in a humanitarian crisis, a million children that aid urgently needs to get in.

“So I was saying yes, they have the right to self-defence – that right they do have – but not the right to withhold that humanitarian aid that needs to get in. It is now absolutely urgent.”

Egypt could allow aid into Gaza via Rafah crossing

09:10 , Sami Quadri

Egypt was due to allow humanitarian aidinto Gaza this morning for the first time since Israel mounted a full blockadeof the border in retaliation for the Hamas terrorist attack.

Official Egyptian sources told Al-Qahera News that the crossing wouldopen from the Egyptian side this morning.

While inspecting the Rafah crossing yesterday,a senior security official said António Guterres, the UN secretary-general,would supervise the entry of 20 aid trucks to Gaza today.

Tedros said the WHO feared furtherdelays. "We have been waiting for more than six days since the supplieshave been delivered to the border area. We hope there will be a crossing tomorrow, but for sure, based on theexperience we had the last few days, we are also at the same time worriedwhether this will happen," he said.

More than 1,000 Chinese nationals flee Israel

08:28 , Sami Quadri

Over 1,000 Chinese nationals have left Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

Pictured: Palestinians take shelter in refugee camp in Khan Yunis

08:22 , Sami Quadri

Palestinians take shelter in a United Nations-run refugee camp in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian health ministry says 13 killed in clashes with Israeli forces in West Bank

07:50 , Sami Quadri

The Palestinian health ministry said that 13 people were killed, including five children, after Israeli forces raided and carried out an air strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Thursday.

The raid was conducted on the Nur Shams refugee camp, adjacent to the city of Tulkarm near the territory's border with Israel.

Sunak to visit Egypt for Israel-Gaza talks

07:44 , Sami Quadri

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will travel to Egypt on Friday to discuss the Israel-Hamas crisis.

It comes after Mr Sunak urged Saudi Arabia to use its influence to support stability in the Middle East after flying there on Thursday following talks in Israel with Benjamin Netanyahu, who told him his country was counting on the UK's "continuous support" in what will be a long war with Hamas.

In Egypt, Mr Sunak will stress "the imperative of avoiding regional escalation and preventing the further unnecessary loss of civilian life", his office said.

21 killed in airstrike in Khan Younis, says Palestinian interior ministry

07:25 , Josh Salisbury

Gaza's Hamas-run interior ministry has said 21 Palestinians were killed and 71 injured overnight in Israeli air strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis, and that rescue workers were searching for victims under the rubble.

With the Egypt-Gaza border crossing in Rafah still closed, the already dire conditions at Gaza's second-largest hospital have deteriorated further, said Dr. Mohammed Qandeel of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Power was shut off in most of the hospital and staff members were using mobile phones for light, he said.

Historic Gaza church housing Palestinians hit by blast

07:13 , Josh Salisbury

An explosion struck a Greek Orthodox church housing displaced Palestinians late Thursday.

Abu Selmia, the Shifa Hospital director general, said dozens were hurt at the Church of Saint Porphyrios but could not give a precise death toll because bodies were buried under rubble.

Palestinian authorities blamed the blast on an Israeli airstrike, a claim that could not be verified. The Israeli military is looking into the matter, reports the AFP news agency.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem condemned the explosion, saying churches should not be targeted in war.

Key developments overnight

07:08 , Josh Salisbury

Good morning. Some key developments overnight are:

- US President Joe Biden has vowed Hamas cannot be allowed to win as he said he would ask Congress to back a multi-billion dollar package of security assistance for Israel.

- Rishi Sunak will travel to Egypt on Friday to urge no escalation of violence in the region after the Hamas attack on Gaza. It comes after he visited Israel on Thursday.

- Drones and rockets targeted two military bases housing US forces in Iraq on Thursday, the latest in a series of attacks after Iraqi militants warned Washington against intervening to support Israel against Hamas in Gaza.

- Israel appears to be getting closer to a full-scale invasion of Gaza, with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant telling troops "you will soon see it [Gaza] from inside."