LONDON: Britain has decided to deploy two Royal Navy ships and surveillance aircraft to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel and reinforce regional stability, Downing Street said on Thursday.

The military package, which includes P8 surveillance planes, other surveillance assets, two auxiliary ships, three Merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, will be on standby in the region to provide “practical support to Israel ... and offer deterrence and assurance”, Downing Street said.

“We must be unequivocal in making sure the types of horrific scenes we have seen this week will not be repeated,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement.

“Alongside our allies, the deployment of our world class military will support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation.”

Sunak said British military and diplomatic teams would support international partners to re-establish security and ensure aid reaches the region.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2023