British Foreign Secretary urges immediate cease-fire in Gaza during visit to Israel and West Bank
- The British Foreign Secretary called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during his visit to the region.
- He emphasized the need for peace and stability in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- This diplomatic effort comes after Labour's recent electoral success in the UK.
In a recent visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, the new British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, labeling the ongoing conflict as "intolerable." Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to assisting in diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire and pave the way for a two-state solution. During his visit, he held meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas, advocating for the release of hostages with UK ties and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza. The Labour Party, under which Lammy serves, faced criticism for initially avoiding calls for an immediate cease-fire, opting for terms like "humanitarian pause." This stance cost the party votes in the recent UK election, despite their landslide victory. Pro-Palestinian independents won seats with large Muslim populations, reflecting a shift in public sentiment. The visit coincided with Israel's targeting of Hamas' military commander in a strike that resulted in numerous casualties, including children, sparking further tensions in the region. Hamas officials denied reports of their military chief's death and continued negotiations for a potential cease-fire deal. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, with both sides accusing each other of atrocities. The UK's intervention through Lammy's visit signals a renewed effort to broker peace and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region.