James Cleverly was forced to run for cover when air raid alarms sounded on a visit to Israel.
The Foreign Secretary was escorted to a shelter in Ofakim, about 20 miles from Gaza during a trip to show “solidarity” with the Israelis on Wednesday.
Mr Cleverly said Britain’s support for Israel is “unwavering” as he met leaders and families affected by the Hamas attack on Saturday.
Footage released by Israel’s foreign ministry showed Mr Cleverly talking to Rachel Adari, who managed to survive an attack on her community.
Mr Cleverly said a “significant number” of British-Israeli nationals had been caught up in the conflict, which has already claimed at least 2,200 lives on both sides.
Watch: while UK FM @JamesCleverly visits Ofakim in southern Israel, a siren goes off warning of incoming Hamas rocket fire.
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 11, 2023
This is the reality Israelis live with every day. pic.twitter.com/QF4C4tReqL
At least 17 British nationals are currently feared dead or missing, according to the BBC.
Previous estimates put the figure at 10.
Meanwhile, British Airways said on Wednesday afternoon that it has suspended flights to and from Israel because of safety concerns.
Mr Cleverly’s visit to Israel comes amid fears that the conflict, which has already claimed at least 2,300 lives on both sides, could escalate further.
