LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed disappointment over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to a future independent Palestinian state.
Sunak’s office on Monday said that the PM reiterated British support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have disagreed over the creation of an independent Palestinian stat. Netanyahu has said that he would not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River.
Sunak’s spokesman when asked about Netanyahu’s comments told reporters it’s disappointing to hear this from the Israeli prime minister.
He said the UK’s stance emains (that) a two-state solution, with a viable and sovereign Palestinian state is the best path to lasting peace.
The two-state solution has long been the fundamental framework of global efforts to resolve the conflict but the peace process has been moribund for years.
Britain has supported Israel’s right to retaliate against Hamas after October 7.
Sunak’s government has also asked Israel to respect humanitarian law and pauses in the fighting in the Gaza Strip to allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
The spokesman said clearly, there will be a long road to recovery and lasting security in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel. “But we will continue our long-term support for the two-state solution for as long as it takes,” he said.
The death toll in the war-torn Gaza Strip has surged past 25,295, mostly women and children, whereas 63,000 people have been injured in ongoing relentless Israeli bombardment since October 7, Gaza’s health ministry reported on Monday.
