Shapps confirms UK using ‘unarmed surveillance flights’ in Gaza hostage search
Jeremy Corbyn has sparked anger in Commons after claiming 1,200 Israelis 'died' in Oct 7th Hamas terror attacks
Grant Shapps has told MPs that “unarmed surveillance flights will begin in support of hostage rescue” as the UK government continues to work with international partners to secure the release of those captured by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Speaking in the Commons, the defence secretary vowed “to move heaven and earth to bring our hostages home” as he confirmed the UK ministry of defence would conduct surveillance flights, including across airspace in Israel and Gaza.
Shapps said the aircraft would be “unmanned” and added “they do not have a combat role” and “will be tasked solely to locate hostages.”
He added the MoD was working on land, air and maritime routes to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, and that four RAF flights carrying over 70 tonnes of aid have landed in Egypt.
Shapps said he was also considering sending support vessels including l RFA Lyme Bay to provide medical and humanitarian aid provisions.
Jeremy Corbyn has sparked anger in Commons as he questioned Shapps over the steps the UK government was taking in the Middle East, and claiming that 1200 people had merely “died in Israel” as a result of the Hamas terror attacks on October 7th.
Several MPs shouted back at him “murdered” as the Islington North MP asked if Britain was going to be involved in the military actions being taken by Israel.
Shapps responded:”I am surprised to hear him talking of people being killed, they were murdered…. slaughtered.”
Shadow defence secretary John Healey had welcomed measures announced by Grant Shapps, but pressed him to do more to ensure aid gets into Gaza.
Healey told MPs “Across this House we welcomed last week’s pause in fighting and we are deeply concerned now about this restarting.“
It was a glimmer of light in recent dark days to see hostages reunited with families, aid reach desperate Palestinians, and diplomacy work extend the initial pause.
“There can only be the long-term settlement the Secretary of State talks about if Hamas cannot carry out a terror attack again like October 7.”
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