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<p>The UK is clear that Hamas is fully responsible for these appalling acts of terror
in Israel. We are also clear that Iran poses an unacceptable threat to Israel. We
have long condemned Iran's destabilising activity throughout the region, including
its political, financial, and military support to several militant and proscribed
groups, including Hamas, Hizballah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Such activity
compromises the region's security, its ability to prosper and further escalates tensions.
In his meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister on 3 November, the former Foreign
Secretary made clear that Iran must use its influence with groups in the region to
prevent escalation, and that Iran bore responsibility for the actions of groups they
had supported over many years. We continue to work closely with our partners to hold
Iran to account, and we currently have over 350 sanctions in place against the Iranian
regime. We expect to see total international condemnation of the atrocities committed
by Hamas. The UK Government will continue to stand with Israel as it faces pressing
challenges to its security. We have deployed UK military assets to the region to carry
out surveillance and act as a deterrent. On 14 November, the Foreign Secretary also
announced targeted sanctions, coordinated with the US, against Hamas leadership (four
Hamas leaders and two financiers) to disrupt Hamas operations in Gaza and wherever
their leaders base themselves.</p>
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