The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin
Netanyahu.
The Prime Minister began by offering the UK's support for the
hard-fought and long-awaited ceasefire deal between Israel and
Hamas, which has now entered its third day.
He offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli
government to secure the release of the hostages, including
British hostage Emily Damari. To see the pictures of Emily
finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a
reminder of the human cost of the conflict, he added.
The leaders moved on to discuss the need to see the next stages
of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule,
including the release of the remaining hostages. The Prime
Minister reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid
can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians
who desperately need it.
Both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful
solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability. The
Prime Minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it
can to support a political process, which should also lead to a
viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
They agreed to continue their close co-operation on defence and
security matters in support of wider stability in the region –
particularly in the face of the ongoing threat posed by Iran.
