RISHI Sunak has been told calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be the “only way” to prevent the conflict from engulfing the Middle East.
The Prime Minister was warned failing to call for a break in hostilities risked “pouring petrol on a fire in a place that only requires a spark to ignite”.
Sunak remained steadfastly opposed to a ceasefire during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday afternoon.
SNP depute Westminster leader Mhairi Black argued that a break in hostilities was the “best and maybe the only way” to stop the conflict, which risks spreading to other parts of the Middle East.
She said: “The growing calls for a ceasefire is also about calming the situation in the broader region, especially the West Bank. Unicef has reported over 2000 fatalities and over 5000 injured children since the conflict began due to unrelenting attacks.
“If we ignore this, we risk pouring petrol on a fire in a place that only requires a spark to ignite. Can the Prime Minister understand that joining calls for a ceasefire is now the best and maybe the only way to stop this conflict escalating beyond all control?
Sunak replied: “We do have to remember that Israel has suffered a shockingly brutal terrorist attack.
"Hamas is responsible for this conflict and has the right to protect itself in line with international law and as the UN charter makes clear, we will continue to urge the Israelis to follow international law, whilst we also have to remember that Hamas cruelly embeds itself in civilian populations.
“But we are doing everything we can to get aid into the region, I’m pleased to say an RAF flight left the UK this morning for Egypt carrying 21 tonnes of aid for Gaza.
“The relief supplies included over 75000 medical kits, solar lights, water filters for families and warehousing equipment and our team are on the ground ready to receive.
“We will continue to everything we can to increase the flow of aid, including fuel, into Gaza.”
Recent polling showed a substantial majority of the British public are in favour of a ceasefire.
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