KEIR STARMER SAYS RECOGNITION OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE IS AN ‘UNDENIABLE RIGHT’ – There is a ‘clear and urgent’ need for a ceasefire.

Keir Starmer has said that recognition of the state of Palestine as part of a Middle East peace process is an ‘undeniable right’ as he told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that there is a ‘clear and urgent’ need for a ceasefire.

The prime minister spoke to the Palestinian president about the ‘ongoing suffering and devastating loss of life’ in Gaza after his Labour party’s election manifesto committed the party to recognising a Palestinian state as part of a process that results in a two-state solution alongside Israel.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: ‘The Prime Minister said he was pleased to be able to speak to President Abbas so early in his tenure… and updated him on his immediate priorities, including securing a ceasefire, the return of hostages, an increase and acceleration in humanitarian aid and financial support for the Palestinian Authority.  

‘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.’

Foreign Secretary David Lammy pledges to reset relations with the European Union and push for a ceasefire in Gaza, while seeking to build ties with Former President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.