British PM urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza during meeting with Israeli president
Date
7/29/2024 5:41:55 AM
(MENAFN) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to take "immediate steps" towards establishing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip. In a statement from Starmer's office, it was emphasized that immediate actions are necessary to facilitate the release of hostages and to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in dire need. The statement also reaffirmed Starmer's support for Israel's right to self-defense in line with international law.
Starmer and Herzog discussed the situation in Paris, where both leaders are attending the Olympic Games. Earlier, on July 7, shortly after Starmer assumed office, he had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire. Starmer also expressed his condolences for the five hostages who were kidnapped during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7 and whose bodies have recently been found.
The Hamas attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 250 hostages taken to Gaza. In retaliation, Israel launched a military operation against the Gaza Strip, which has led to the deaths of over 39,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Starmer underscored that while there is no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas, a cessation of hostilities is crucial to address the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing conflict.
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