Israel attack: Rishi Sunak joins G7 leaders in condemning Iran's bombardment of ... trends now
Rishi Sunak joined G7 leaders to condemn Iran's bombardment of Israel after it fired a barrage of 300 missiles at the country in an 'unprecedented attack' that sparked fears of World War III.
The leaders met on a virtual conference this afternoon to coordinate a diplomatic response to Iran's massive overnight air attack on Israel that saw RAF jets deployed to shoot down drones from Tehran.
The UK Prime Minister condemned 'in the strongest terms' Iran's 'reckless' attack as he vowed to 'continue to stand up for Israel's security and that of all our regional partners'.
'We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives,' the G7 said in a joint statement.
The urgent meeting was organised by Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, and took place at 2pm, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said.
A G7 meeting took place this afternoon as leaders condemned Iran's air attack on Israel 'in the strongest terms'
Sunak was not alone in his efforts as President Biden also confirmed the US military had helped Israel shoot down 'nearly all' of Iran's drones and missiles
Iran has said it had attacked Israel in 'self-defence' following the April 1 strike on its diplomatic mission in Damascus, which was widely blamed on Israel. Pictured are missiles yesterday
Missiles which began to enter Israeli airspace were seen in video shared with MailOnline
The statement added: Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack.
'We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.
'With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.
'We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.'
Sunak was also joined by US President Joe Biden on the call amid fears of further escalation in the event of a potential Israeli counter-strike.
People gather around a destroyed building targeted by Israeli air strikes on the village of Nabi Sheet in the Baablbek district in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley on April 14, 2024
Drones or missiles vying for targets at undisclosed locations in northern Israel yesterday
The Iranian attack, in response to a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict.
The UK was one of several countries, including the US, which helped counter Iran's bombardment - in its first ever direct strike on Israeli grounds.
Additional RAF jets were deployed over Iraq and Syria, not Israel, the Ministry of Defence said.
Speaking to reporters in Downing Street, Sunak said if Iran had been
