In a significant diplomatic effort, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, focusing on progressing peace and security in the region. This marks his first visit to the Middle East since taking office.
As part of the UK’s humanitarian aid efforts, Lammy announced an additional £5.5 million to UK-Med, supporting their ongoing work in Gaza. UK-Med, a frontline medical aid charity, deploys experienced humanitarian medics, including NHS staff, to deliver essential health care in crisis-hit regions. This funding will bolster their efforts at field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital, allowing medics to treat thousands more patients suffering from acute respiratory illnesses, infections, and explosive fragmentation trauma.
Key Statements:
- David Lammy, Foreign Secretary:
- 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.
- 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 will hold high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog, emphasizing the necessity to end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. He will also meet with families of hostages with UK links.
Highlighting the urgency, Lammy noted the more than 680 tonnes of UK aid ready to enter Gaza, including medicines, shelters, and hygiene kits. He stressed the desperate need to increase aid flow into the region.
In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lammy will welcome the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to reform and reiterate UK support. The UK has provided £10 million in aid this financial year through the World Bank, supporting key services such as salaries for 8,200 health workers over two months.
In his meetings with President Abbas and Prime Minister Mustafa, Lammy will emphasize the UK’s commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as an undeniable right, contributing to a renewed peace process aimed at achieving a two-state solution. He will also condemn illegal settlements in the West Bank, recognizing their detrimental impact on the peace process.
Lammy’s visit underscores the UK’s dedication to facilitating long-term peace and security in the Middle East, advocating for a resolution that ensures the safety and sovereignty of both Israel and Palestine
