According to a statement made by the UK Prime Minister’s Office from Number 10, new Prime Minister Starmer held separate telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Netanyahu and Starmer discussed security and stability issues in the Middle East. Starmer stressed that UK-Israel cooperation would continue. Starmer said that developments on the Israel-Lebanon border were worrying and that an urgent and definitive ceasefire was needed in Gaza. He also said that prisoners should be released immediately and that humanitarian aid should be increased to meet needs.
Starmer also made important statements regarding Palestine, stressing the importance of meeting the necessary conditions for a two-state solution and financial support for the effective operation of the Palestinian Authority.
Starmer: “Our policy of recognising Palestine has not changed”
The following statements were made regarding the meeting with Abbas:
- Prime Minister Starmer,He briefed President Abbas on priority issues such as the establishment of a ceasefire, the release of prisoners, the delivery and increase of humanitarian aid, and financial support to the Palestinian Authority. Addressing the issue of establishing international legitimacy for Palestine, Starmer said that the policy of recognizing Palestine, which they have long supported in order to contribute to the peace process, has not changed and that this is the undeniable right of the Palestinians.
