October 17, 2023
2 mins read

Sunak, Palestinian President discuss Gaza situation over phone

The statement noted that Sunak affirmed that Britain continues to support “a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state existing alongside a safe and secure Israel…reports Asian Lite News

In a phone call on the ongoing Mideast conflict, Britain’s prime minister and the Palestinian president on Monday agreed on the importance of avoiding further regional escalation.

During the phone call with Mahmoud Abbas, Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences for the deaths of Palestinian civilians, said a statement by the UK Foreign Office,

Reiterating the UK’s position, Sunak said: “Hamas does not speak for ordinary Palestinians.”

Sunak and Abbas agreed on the importance of avoiding further regional escalation and ensuring calm in the West Bank.

“The Prime Minister committed the UK’s support for the Palestinian Authority in trying to establish peace and stability,” said the statement, adding that the two leaders discussed support for Gaza, including humanitarian aid and measures to protect civilians.

They also agreed that the international community “must intensify” efforts to break the cycle of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, it said.

The statement noted that Sunak affirmed that Britain continues to support “a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state existing alongside a safe and secure Israel.”

Abbas’ Fatah movement is a rival to the Hamas group for leadership in the Palestinian territories, with Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip, which launched an attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7

Ten days into the conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over 1 million people – almost half the total population of Gaza – having been displaced, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Gaza is undergoing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out, as civilians flee to the south following Israel’s warning to evacuate northern areas.

The fighting began when Hamas on Oct. 7 initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Since then the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to 2,750, including 750 children.

PM dials Erdogan

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a call on Monday that Western countries should refrain from “provocative steps” regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Turkish presidency said.

Erdogan also told Sunak that Western powers must “remember the unkept promises to Palestine and do what is necessary”, the presidency said on social messaging platform X. It said the two also discussed the resolution of the “grave humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.

ALSO READ-Sunak sparks Tory civil war over HS2 move

Previous Story

Trudeau’s Surprise Navratri Wishes Mark Diplomatic Turnaround

Next Story

Gaza resolution co-sponsored by Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russia fails in UNSC

Latest from -Top News

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

India Eyes Supply Chain Shift

India’s electronics manufacturing sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, positioning the country as a major global hub for production and supply chain diversification. Riding on favourable government policies, geopolitical tailwinds, and a

India Bans All Pakistan Imports

In a sharp escalation of diplomatic hostilities, India has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, following the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that

Kashmir Crisis Deepens

Government of Pakistan Administered Kashmir has instructed residents living along the de-facto border, the Line of Control (LoC) with India to stockpile food and other essential items for at least two months…reports

China to evaluate offer of tariff talks  

Punishing US tariffs that have reached 145% on many Chinese products came into force in April while Beijing has responded with fresh 125% duties on imports from the US   China has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UNSC acts to boost Gaza aid after US abstains

The remaining council members voted for the resolution except for

Jerusalem: A Flashpoint For Conflict Or Microcosm Of Peace

Regardless of how the current and future violent conflicts between