GAZA – David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories as foreign secretary. Lammy also urged the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an increase in the flow of aid to the territory. The newly appointed minister held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa on Sunday.

He also met family members of hostages still held in Gaza who have links to the UK. After the meeting Sharon Sharabi, whose two brothers Elie and Yossi were taken hostage on 7 October, said: “Lammy promised to do everything to bring the hostages home. The UK government has committed to be involved in a process with all the relevant sides.” In February the Israeli military said that Yossi Sharabi was killed and that it was likely a result of an IDF air strike. It is thought his body remains in Gaza.

In his meeting with Mustafa, Lammy said the UK would push for peace and stability, a statement posted on X by the British Consulate in Jerusalem said. They discussed the role of an effective Palestinian Authority in achieving peace and Lammy reaffirmed support for Mustafa’s government and its programme of reform, the statement added.

The foreign secretary also expressed frustration over a lack of British aid trucks entering Gaza “after months and months of asking”, echoing long-running complaints from aid agencies about deliveries being blocked or delayed by complex inspections imposed by the Israeli military.

He said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was “appalling” and that the UK would be providing an additional £5.5 million to medical charity UK-Med to fund its work in the territory. After the meeting, Mr Herzog said they discussed “the supreme mission of returning the hostages home to their families”. Mr Herzog said he introduced Mr Lammy to the family of Tamir Adar, who was killed on 7 October and whose body was taken into Gaza, and whose grandmother Yaffa was taken hostage and released as part of the previous deals. He added: “The bonds between the British and Israeli peoples are as strong and robust as they are historic and impactful – especially now, in facing the challenges ahead of us.” The Labour Party has recently faced a backlash from some Muslim voters over its response to the conflict, which many consider insufficiently critical of Israel. The new government now faces decisions on several key issues, including whether to limit or stop weapons sales to Israel over the loss of civilian life. (BBC News) …[+]