The office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced today, Monday, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state in the future is "disappointing." The UK reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In response to a question about Netanyahu's statements, Sunak's spokesperson told reporters, "It is disappointing to hear that from the Israeli Prime Minister." The spokesperson added, "The UK's position has not changed, and we believe that a viable and sovereign Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel is the best way to achieve lasting peace."
International efforts have long focused on a two-state solution to end the conflict, but the peace process has been stalled for years. The UK supported Israel's right to respond to Hamas after the militant group's deadly attack on Israeli towns on October 7. The British government is also calling on Israel to respect humanitarian law and cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip to allow more aid to reach the besieged area. The government states it wants a "permanent ceasefire" based on the release of hostages held by Hamas to reduce civilian casualties. The spokesperson remarked, "It is clear that there is a long way to go to recover and achieve lasting security in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel... but we will continue our longstanding support for a two-state solution for as long as necessary."
