Starmer phones Netanyahu on 'clear, urgent need for ceasefire' in Gaza

The new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and  “set out the clear and urgent need for a ceasefire” in Gaza, and “the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians”.

This comes as Starmer vows to continue his country’s “vital cooperation” with Israel against “malign threats”.

In a readout of the call, Downing Street said Starmer said that it was "also important to ensure the long-term conditions for a two-state solution were in place, including ensuring the Palestinian Authority had the financial means to operate effectively".

In his first telephone call with Netanyahu since his election as prime minister, Starmer also called for “caution” on the Lebanese-Israeli border saying that the “situation on the northern border of Israel was very concerning,” according to a spokesperson for his 10 Downing Street office.

Earlier, it was reported that Starmer has also spoken on the phone also with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday.

Abbas told Starmer of the urgent need for international efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave, and the release Palestinian tax funds held by Israeli authorities.