As part of plans to “bolster security” in the eastern Mediterranean, the UK will send two Royal Navy ships and surveillance aircraft there.

The attack comes after six days of violence following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel.

On Friday, the aircraft will begin patrols to “track threats to regional stability, such as weapons transfers to terrorist groups”.

British nationals stranded in Israel are also being flown out by the government. It was expected that the first plane would depart Tel Aviv on Thursday, but it had not yet left as of Friday morning.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said the situation was “fluid”, and it was working to ensure that the flight could take off as soon as possible.

Israel’s prime minister received a message from Rishi Sunak on Thursday reaffirming the UK’s support for the country.

According to Downing Street, he called Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm the UK’s steadfast support for Israel following Hamas’ appeal.

A No 10 spokesperson reiterated that the UK stands alongside Israel in the fight against terrorism, and that the UK would deploy military assistance in the coming days.

The vessels are not warships, but “ships that can help with hospital facilities”, according to Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

Aside from dissuading others from entering the region, Breakfast sending the boats was also intended to “malign external influence”.

Asked about Israel’s response to the attacks, the defense secretary said “Israel has the right to defend itself” and that Israel was warning “that it is going after Hamas terrorists” which was the right thing to do.