Sunak says Israel has ‘right to defend itself’ as Netanyahu warns ‘we are at war’

Rishi Sunak has said Israel has “an absolute right to defend itself” and the country’s prime minister said it was “at war” after at least 70 people were killed during attacks by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip.

The UK Prime Minister said the Government is in contact with Israeli authorities after Hamas sent fighters across the border and fired thousands of rockets in what it said was a new operation.

Israel’s premier Benjamin Netanyahu said the group would “pay a price that it hasn’t known until now” as he called up reservists.

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At least 70 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the incursion in Israel, according to the country’s national rescue service, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.

And at least 198 people have been killed and 1,610 wounded in Gaza in Israeli retaliation, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Videos released by Hamas suggested at least three Israelis had been captured alive.

And footage has been posted on social media of Hamas fighters parading what appeared to be stolen Israeli military vehicles through the streets.

Mr Sunak, writing on X, said: “I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens.

“Israel has an absolute right to defend itself.

“We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.”

The White House said that it “unequivocally condemns” the Hamas attacks.

National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said: “There is never any justification for