David Lammy, Britain’s new foreign secretary, is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories with a clear agenda focused on immediate action and long-term peace efforts. According to the foreign office, Lammy intends to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and advocate for the release of hostages.
His visit, scheduled for Sunday, will include meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during which he plans to emphasize the urgency of establishing a “credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.”
Expressing strong concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Lammy asserted that the ongoing death and destruction are unacceptable, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities from both sides. A significant issue to be addressed during his discussions with Netanyahu is the delayed entry of 680 tonnes of British aid earmarked for Gaza, highlighting the urgency of humanitarian relief efforts in the region.
Lammy’s Labour Party, recently elected in a landslide victory despite some electoral setbacks, particularly in areas with substantial Muslim populations critical of Labour’s stance on Gaza, has pledged to prioritize Middle East peace and security. Central to their agenda is the recognition of a Palestinian state, seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing the peace process and achieving a lasting two-state solution.
Lammy’s diplomatic mission underscores Britain’s proactive stance on Middle East peace, aiming not only for immediate humanitarian relief but also for sustainable political solutions that promote stability and security in the region.