Foreign Secretary visits Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 2230 TUESDAY 25 MAY 2021

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories for talks with senior leaders following the Israel-Gaza ceasefire.

Mr Raab will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah during his one-day visit. The UK remains committed to the two-state solution as the best way to permanently end the occupation, deliver Palestinian self-determination and preserve Israel’s Jewish and democratic identity.

He will also meet Israeli Foreign and Defence Ministers, Gabi Ashkenazi and Benny Gantz, as well as Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Riad Malki.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

“The UK welcomes the ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. It is crucial that all sides now focus on ensuring it can last. The events of the last month demonstrate the urgent need to make genuine progress towards a more positive future for both Israelis and Palestinians, and breaks cycle of violence that has claimed so many lives.

“The UK supports a two-state solution as the best way to deliver a lasting peace.”