David Lammy is scheduled to request an immediate ceasefire during his discussions with Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on his inaugural visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories while serving as Foreign Secretary.
Lammy intends to advocate for the release of all captives and increased aid delivery into Gaza, declaring a new £5.5m humanitarian assistance package.
Reiterating calls for a ceasefire made by Keir Starmer to Israeli and Palestinian leaders upon assuming office as Prime Minister, Lammy emphasized the UK's aspiration for full diplomatic engagement in resolving this conflict permanently.
Criticism faced Labour for its initial stance on the conflict following Hamas attacks inside Israel which resulted in significant voting losses in some Muslim-majority areas and saw the election of four pro-Gaza independent candidates in targeted seats.
Lammy is also expected to bring up settler violence issues in the West Bank during his meeting with Netanyahu, and he will meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as well. The aid package allocated by the UK will be distributed through UK-Med, an organization comprising NHS medical professionals who are currently working on field hospitals in Gaza and providing support at the emergency department of a hospital in Khan Younis.
"The situation in Gaza is simply unacceptable," Lammy stated before his visit. "This conflict must conclude immediately, with an immediate ceasefire agreed upon by both parties. The hostages taken by Hamas must be released without delay and aid should reach the people of Gaza unhindered."
He highlighted that it is the UK's intention to play a part in achieving a ceasefire agreement and advancing towards a two-state solution, stating: "The world requires both a secure Israel and an independent Palestinian state. It is imperative that illegal Israeli settlements be halted and settler violence curtailed."
During his time in Israel, Lammy will also meet with the President, Isaac Herzog, and individuals with family connections to the UK whose loved ones are either being held captive or have been killed by Hamas. The Foreign Secretary is expected to push for a swift increase in aid allowed into Gaza. While not explicitly endorsing unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, Lammy acknowledged that it is a right belonging to the Palestinians and expressed intentions to recognize this status as part of the peace process while condemning West Bank settlements for their illegality and detrimental effects.
Read next
Tory Lawmaker Accuses Badenoch of Being Too Engrossed in Parenting Duties, Unable to Steer Party Leadership Ahead
A seasoned Tory MP has ignited controversy with remarks about not endorsing Kemi Badenoch for potential leader because he believes her focus might be too much on family responsibilities due to having young kids.
Sir Christopher Chope expressed his preference in an interview, stating that while supportive of the leading
Farage Receives Unpaid Team of U.S. Public Relations Consultants from Firm Linked to Ex-Bannon Advisor
Nigel Farage has engaged with three US advisors, led by Alexandra Preate—a former press liaison for Steve Bannon's controversial team—to assist him in managing perception and public relations within America. Additionally, this summer he benefited from a hotel stay costed at $3,500 during the Republican
Taylor Swift's Meeting with Keir Starmer Confirmed as Free from Any Conflict of Interest by Number 10
Downing Street has stated that Keir Starmer did not encounter any conflict of interest while attending a Taylor Swift concert or during his interaction with her, and there will be no referral to the independent ethics adviser concerning decisions made about additional security measures for such events.
The acknowledgment regarding