BUILDINGS in Southend are set to be lit up in blue and white colours following devastating attacks in Israel which have left hundreds dead.

Following attacks over the weekend, all UK Government buildings have been told to fly the flag of Israel or to light up buildings with appropriate colours.

Now, Southend Council has confirmed it will be lighting up Porters Civic House and the light columns on City Beach in solidarity.

Armed fighters from Hamas – a Palestinian militant group – crossed into Israel from Gaza in a surprise attack on Saturday, killing more than 700 Israelis.

Councillor Stephen Habermel, the mayor of Southend, confirmed the plans to show support across Southend.

He said: “Following the devastating attacks in Israel over the weekend, we will be lighting Porters Civic House and City Beach blue and white until 8pm on Tuesday in line with all Government buildings across the UK, as a show of solidarity with the people of Israel.”

The attacks by Hamas targeted civilians as well as soldiers.

Although Hamas and Israel have been enemies for years, this is the largest outbreak of violence in decades, according to the BBC.

The move by Southend Council comes after more than 300 MPs signed a letter back Israel and its “right to self defence”.

Anna Firth, Tory MP for Southend West, is one of the MPs who signed it.

She said: “I reassert my condemnation of Hamas and affirm my support for Israel’s right to self-defence. I visited Israel this summer specifically to understand the situation better and reiterate that I continue to stand with Israel in this difficult time.”

Countdown star, Rachel Riley MBE, from Southend, has also shown her support for Israel by posting an image of the Israel flag on her social media.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she is writing to police chiefs in England and Wales urging them to “step up patrols and use all available powers” to prevent anti-Jewish disorder.

Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, has also pledged to provide support to Israel if requested after attacks by Hamas. Basildon Council has also been contacted for comment by the Echo over their plans to show support.