This is the moment European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was rushed to a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv as rocket alert sirens blared.
Her trip to the Israeli city comes after terror attacks from Hamas sparked all out warfare, with an Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip expected.
Von der Leyen arrived in Tel Aviv with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a show of solidarity amid bloodshed in the region.
Their visit was soon scuppered as they were scrambled to a bomb shelter as concern of more violence mounted.
Ursula von der Leyen's trip to Israel was scuppered
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Along with other EU representatives and Israeli security officials, she is ushered into the lower depths of a building as concerns mount over further bombings.
Before being rushed to safety, Von der Leyen wrote in a statement on X: “I have arrived in Israel with the President of the European Parliament to express our solidarity with the Israeli people after the terrible terrorist attack by Hamas.”
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Speaking on the same platform, Metsola said: “We are here with a message of solidarity after the worst terrorist attack Israel has suffered in years.
“Terror will not prevail. How we respond matters. We can and must stop Hamas and do what we can to mitigate the humanitarian consequences.”
The surprise attack from Hamas has left more than 1,300 people dead, with bombings from Israel killing at least 1,500 Palestinians.
On Wednesday, EU chief Von der Leyen branded Hamas’s terror attack an “act of war” that reflects an “ancient evil”.
Antony Blinken has visited the region
She called for a “defining” response from the bloc which recognises “Israel’s right to defend itself”
On Friday, Israel called on all civilians to leave northern Gaza and Gaza City and move south of the enclave within 24 hours.
The European officials are not the only world leaders to have visited Israel, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arriving with a similar message.
In an effort to dampen the prospect of an expanded regional conflict, Blinken is making his way through the Middle East, visiting countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Blinken has reaffirmed US support for Israel while speaking out on efforts to release all hostages the Hamas militants seized.
The latter country had been headed for a normalisation of ties with Israel after long term tensions, but the process is now on hold in light of the new conflict.
A complete breakdown in talks would represent a blow for the Biden administration as the US has played a key role in getting the two powers to the table.
Blinken is also set to visit the United Arab Emirates and Egypt over the weekend.
