UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first visit to the Middle East. He emphasized the urgent need to release all hostages and increase humanitarian aid to the region.
In meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lammy advocated for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. This visit underscores the UK's commitment to ending the ongoing conflict and working towards long-term peace and security in the Middle East.
Lammy stressed the need for a ceasefire that both sides must honor. “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,” he stated.
Lammy reinforced the UK’s ambition to play a significant diplomatic role in achieving a ceasefire and advancing towards a two-state solution. “The world needs a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” he remarked. He also highlighted the need to halt the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and the rising settler violence in the West Bank.
During discussions with President Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, Lammy reiterated his commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state. He called this recognition an undeniable right of the Palestinian people and a critical step towards renewed peace efforts. Lammy also plans to visit a Palestinian community to address the negative impact of West Bank settlements.
In a significant move, Lammy announced that the UK would provide an additional £5.5 million this year to UK-Med. This funding will support their life-saving work in Gaza, including field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital. This initiative aims to treat thousands more patients suffering from acute respiratory illnesses, infections, and explosive fragmentation trauma cases.
Highlighting more than 680 tonnes of UK aid currently in the region and awaiting entry into Gaza, Lammy emphasized the desperate need to increase humanitarian aid swiftly.
Lammy praised the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reform and reiterated the UK's support for Prime Minister Shtayyeh’s government. The UK has provided £10 million in aid to support the Palestinian Authority this financial year through the World Bank. This funding will ensure the continuation of essential services, including the payment of salaries for 8,200 doctors, nurses, and other health workers for two months.
Lammy's visit marks a significant diplomatic effort by the UK to help bring an end to the conflict in Gaza and promote a lasting peace in the Middle East. By advocating for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid, Lammy aims to create the space needed for a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.
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