Addis Ababa, July 8, 2024 (Addis Walta) The newly elected UK prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer called for urgent ceasefire in Gaza.
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated the need for immediate ceasefire and a two-state solutions in his phone conversation with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
During his discussion with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Starmer pinpointed out the need for “clear and urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians”.
Before he got the ticket to Downing Street, PM Starmer was under public criticism for not calling ceasefire as the then PM, Rishi Sunak. Starmer was also accused of supporting all Israeli measures against Palestinian including cutting water and electric supply to Gaza.
Israel has continued its assault in Gaza despite the call to ceasefire by one of its key allies.
The UK Prime Minister assured Israeli leader that his country will continue its vital cooperation to deter threats.
Prime Minster Starmer also spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the issue of ceasefire.
A Downing Street spokesperson told reporters about the areas of the two leaders’ discussion. “Discussing the importance of reform, and ensuring international legitimacy for Palestine, the prime minister said that his longstanding policy on recognition to contribute to a peace process had not changed, and it was the undeniable right of Palestinians” The spokesperson told reporters.
During their conversation, Mahmoud Abbas underscored the importance of UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine, per Aljazeera.
During the 50 days war, over 38,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed and about 2 million displaced.