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The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, on his first official trip to the Middle East as Foreign Secretary, David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a rapid increase in humanitarian aid to the region. During his meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lammy emphasized the urgent need for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.
“The death and destruction in Gaza is intolerable. This war must end now, with an immediate ceasefire complied with by both sides. The fighting has got to stop, the hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas terrorists need to be released immediately, and aid must be allowed in to reach the people of Gaza without restrictions,” Lammy stated.
In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Lammy announced a further £5.5 million in funding to UK-Med, a frontline medical aid charity. This funding will support their ongoing work in Gaza, including the operation of field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital. This aid will help treat thousands of patients suffering from acute respiratory illnesses, infections, and trauma cases caused by explosive fragments.
“I am meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to stress the UK’s ambition and commitment to play its full diplomatic role in securing a ceasefire deal and creating the space for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. The world needs a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” Lammy added.
During his visit, Lammy will engage in high-level talks with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, to reiterate the need to end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. He will also meet with families of hostages with links to the UK who have been affected by Hamas.
Highlighting the more than 680 tonnes of UK aid waiting to enter Gaza, including medicines, shelters, and hygiene kits, Lammy will emphasize the desperate need for a rapid increase in humanitarian aid.
In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lammy will welcome the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to delivering reforms and will reiterate the UK’s support to Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and his government. The UK has provided £10 million in aid this financial year to support key services in the Palestinian territories, such as the payment of salaries for 8,200 doctors, nurses, and other health workers over two months.
In meetings with President Abbas and Prime Minister Shtayyeh, Lammy will reaffirm his commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as an undeniable right of the Palestinian people and as a step towards a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution. He will also condemn the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, calling them harmful to the peace process.
“The UK remains committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” Lammy concluded.
By Gabriel Ani
