Sir Keir Starmer has spoke to both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, reiterating his calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
During phone calls with both leaders on Sunday morning, the PM also called for a return of the hostages, and an increase in aid getting into Gaza.
He also stressed the UK government’s firm long-term goal of Palestinian recognition as part of a peace process that would lead to a two-state solution. Sir Keir said that recognition of a state was the “undeniable right of Palestinians.”
The phone call with Netanyahu stressed the friendship between Israel and the UK.
A Downing Street spokesperson said that the PM: “looked forward to further deepening the close relationship” between the UK and Israel, and the leaders agreed to stay in close touch.
Starmer and Netanyahu discussed the importance of regional security in the Middle East and the PM “said he was committed to continuing the UK and Israel's vital cooperation to deter malign threats.”
The PM addressed the escalating threat on Israel’s northern border, where “very concerning” tensions have been mounting with Hezbollah in Lebanon. He told Netanyahu, “It was crucial all parties acted with caution.”
Regarding the conflict in Gaza, “the Prime Minister reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of life following the October attacks.”
According to the spokesperson, Starmer "Then set out the clear and urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians.
"He added that it was also important to ensure the long-term conditions for a two-state solution were in place, including ensuring the Palestinian Authority had the financial means to operate effectively.”
Meanwhile, the new PM told Abbas that “financial support for the Palestinian Authority” was one of his “immediate priorities”.
The spokesperson said that Starmer had spoken to Abbas so early in his tenure, “given the pressing issues in the region, ongoing suffering, and devastating loss of life in Gaza.”
The PM also discussed the “importance of reform” to “ensuring international legitimacy for Palestine”. He told the head of PA “that his longstanding policy on recognition to contribute to a peace process had not changed, and it was the undeniable right of Palestinians.”
