During the state opening of Parliament, UK King Charles stated that the government is dedicated to playing a constructive role in securing peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
In the King’s Speech, where the government outlines its legislative agenda for the year, His Majesty declared, “My government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East. It is committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”
Labour’s general election manifesto has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a renewed peace process aimed at achieving a two-state solution, rather than doing so unilaterally.
Since taking office, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas.
On Sunday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy made his first official visit to the Middle East, meeting with Netanyahu and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. Both Lammy and Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the UK-Israel partnership and cooperation.
Lammy also met Israel’s president Isaac Herzog on Monday and stated that the UK is pushing for an agreement to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He added, “We see a hostage deal emerging in the coming days, and I am using all diplomatic efforts, particularly with Secretary of State Blinken and the G7 nations, to press for that deal.”
