British Foreign Secretary Calls for Immediate Cease-Fire in Gaza During Visit to Israel and Palestinian Territories

The new British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. This is his second international trip since Labour’s recent election victory earlier this month.

Lammy described the ongoing conflict in Gaza as “intolerable” and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire and work towards a two-state solution. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss this issue. Additionally, Lammy will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to further discuss the situation.

During his visit, Lammy also met with families of hostages with ties to the U.K. who are currently being held in Gaza. He called for their release and urged for increased humanitarian aid to enter the region. In addition, Lammy demanded a halt to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and stressed the need for reform and empowerment of the Palestinian Authority.

The shift in language from the Labour Party and the previous Conservative government, moving from “humanitarian pause” to calling for an immediate cease-fire, reflects the urgency of the situation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently conveyed to Netanyahu the clear and urgent need for a cease-fire.

The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, including a massive strike that killed at least 90 people, has further underscored the need for immediate action. Hamas officials have denied that their military chief was killed in the strike and stated that negotiations for a cease-fire deal are still ongoing.

The conflict has taken a significant toll on both sides, with thousands of casualties reported. The international community, including Britain, continues to call for an end to the violence and a return to negotiations for a lasting peace in the region.