London, Thanasis Gavos

United Kingdom Foreign Minister David Cameron arrived in Jerusalem in the morning to have, among other contacts, a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As he said in his statements, his trip shows Britain’s solidarity with Israel after the “heinous” attack by Iran, but he also added that Britain hopes for a measured response from the Israelis.

“We have rightly made clear our views on what should happen next, but it is clear that the Israelis are coming to a decision to act. Hopefully they will do it in a way that results in the least possible escalation. And in a way that, as I said yesterday, will be smart rather than cruel. But the real need is to get the focus back on Hamas, back on the hostages, back on getting the aid through, back on getting a pause in the conflict in Gaza,” Lord Cameron said.

In addition to Mr. Netanyahu, the British Foreign Secretary is expected to meet with other Israeli political leaders, as well as to travel to the West Bank.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also had a telephone conversation with Mr. Netanyahu on Tuesday.

According to Downing Street, Mr Sunak reaffirmed Britain’s unwavering support for Israel and Mr Netanyahu thanked him for Britain’s help in repelling Saturday’s Iranian attack.

According to the British leader, Iran has made a miscalculation that leaves it more isolated on the international stage.

Mr. Sunak stressed that “significant escalation is not in anyone’s interest” and all it would do would be to deepen the lack of security in the Middle East. “This is a moment for calm,” Mr Sunak said.

He added that the UK wants to see a massive increase in humanitarian aid reaching the Gaza Strip and called it “deeply disappointing” that Hamas had rejected a deal that would have saved Palestinian lives and secured the release of hostages.