Israel-Hamas war: UK readies navy in eastern Mediterranean to ‘prevent escalation’

U.K. military assets including surveillance aircraft and naval patrols will be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, Rishi Sunak announced Thursday evening.

No. 10 Downing Street said that Royal Air Force aircraft will on Friday begin patrols to track threats to stability in the region, while a navy “task group” — including two Royal Navy ships — will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean to assist with humanitarian efforts.

The British government said the military package is intended to prevent escalation and hammer home its support for Israel. Sunak has declared repeatedly that the U.K. "stands with Israel" and offered unequivocal support, since Hamas' surprise attacks on Saturday.