UK repeats call for restraint, but blames Hamas for exploiting protests

LONDON - British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has told parliament that “peaceful protests” in Gaza are “being exploited by extremists”.

He said: “I urge Israel to show restraint in the use of live fire and I take this opportunity to repeat the UK's commitment to a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the shared capital."

His comments came as Theresa May’s spokesman said that ministers discussed the situation in Gaza at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet and that the Prime Minister urged both sides to "show restraint and refrain from any further violence".

In a statement, the Prime Minister's spokesman said: "Palestinians have the right to protest but these protests must be peaceful. We are concerned that extremist elements may be seeking to hijack peaceful protests to further their own objectives.”

"Israel has the right to defend its borders and we do not question that. However the use of live fire is deeply troubling and has led to significant loss of life. We urge Israel to show greater restraint."