Rishi Sunak has pledged to stand with Israel in its “darkest hour”, adding he wanted the country to “win” its war with Hamas, writes BBC.

Speaking after a meeting with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, the PM said the Palestinian people were “victims of Hamas too”. He repeated the UK supported Israel’s right to self-defence, in line with international law. Netanyahu said Israel needed “continual support” for a “long war”.

The meeting between the two leaders is part of a two-day visit by Sunak to the wider region. No 10 has confirmed he will visit Saudi Arabia later on Thursday, among trips to regional capitals.

Calling the Palestinian militant group the “new Nazis”, the Israeli PM called the conflict with Hamas a “battle of the entire civilised world”.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with Netanyahu, Sunak said the UK “absolutely” supported Israel’s right to defend itself, whilst adding this must be within international law. The UK prime minister said Israel was “taking every caution” to prevent harm to civilians - adding this was “in direct contrast” to Hamas. He also said he appreciated Israel’s announcement on Wednesday it would not stop aid entering southern Gaza from Egypt.