Following the strikes by Hamas, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday that London was trying to ensure the world speaks with one voice and that Britain was standing “unequivocally” with Israel.

After suffering its worst attack in decades, in which Hamas fighters rampaged through Israeli cities killing 600 people and kidnapping hundreds more, Israel launched an attack on Gaza on Sunday as the bloodshed escalated and a major new Middle East conflict appeared imminent.

“(Sunak) reaffirmed that the UK will stand with Israel unequivocally against these acts of terror. The prime minister offered Prime Minister Netanyahu any support Israel needs,” Sunak’s Downing Street office said in a statement following a phone call between the two leaders.

“The prime minister outlined the diplomatic work the UK is doing to ensure the world speaks with one voice in opposition to these appalling attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked the prime minister for the UK’s support.”

In a separate broadcast clip, Sunak confirmed that the foreign ministry was in contact with Israeli counterparts over the status of British nationals on the ground, after families said one Briton was killed and another was missing.

Sunak urged all sides to show restraint while reiterating Britain’s support for Israel.

“No one wants to see regional escalation, and both the UK and allies have urged everyone in the region not to use this as an opportunity to incite further violence,” Sunak said.

“In the meantime, we will continue to provide Israel with every support that it needs as we stand steadfast with Israel, including (supporting) its right to self defence to ensure that these attacks do not happen.”