Jerusalem, Israel
Rishi Sunak hopes for “further progress” in delivering aid to Gaza after meeting the Israeli president, Downing Street has said.
A No 10 spokesperson said the PM discussed the issue with President Isaac Herzog after arriving in Israel for a two-day visit to the region.
He is also holding talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
It comes as Western leaders step up diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict with Hamas spreading.
Downing Street said Mr Sunak welcomed Israel’s announcement on Wednesday it will not stop aid entering southern Gaza from Egypt.
Israel says it will not allow any aid to pass through its own territory until hostages taken by Hamas during its attack earlier this month are released.
Mr Sunak and President Herzog “agreed on the importance” of getting “urgent humanitarian support” to Palestinians in Gaza, the No 10 spokesperson said.
The UK prime minister “expressed his sincere hope that further progress could be made on delivering crucial food, water and medicine,” they added.
Mr Sunak thanked the Israeli president for support provided to British nationals caught up in the attacks, including the families of British hostages, No 10 added.
“The leaders agreed to continue working tirelessly to secure their release,” the statement added.
Source: BBC News