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Watch: Sunak addresses parliament as Israel expected to launch ground offensive in Gaza

Holly Patrick
Monday 16 October 2023 10:20 EDT
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Watch as Rishi Sunak addressed parliament on Monday, 16 October, as Israel was expected to launch a ground offensive in Gaza.

The prime minister addressed MPs about the escalating crisis as politicians returned to Westminster.

His address came after he visited a Jewish school in north London on Monday morning, where he told pupils he "stands with them" after Hamas launched an attack on Israel a week ago.

Civilians have been ordered to evacuate the north of Gaza ahead of an imminent offensive against Hamas, with at least one million people fleeing their homes.

The Israeli military says it is preparing to use air, ground, and naval forces in Gaza and has accused Hamas of trying to use civilians as human shields.

British officials are working with the Egypt authorities to facilitate British and dual nationals, as well as families, to leave Gaza through the border.

Armed forces minister James Heappey welcomed the prospect of opening the Rafah crossing for people fleeing Gaza but said it is important to “sound a note of caution that the reports might be more optimistic than reality."

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