Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Cameron tells Israeli PM Netanyahu of need for two-state solution

The Foreign Secretary reiterated his call for an ‘immediate humanitarian pause’.

Sam Blewett
Wednesday 24 January 2024 18:45 EST
Lord David Cameron met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem (Valdrin Xhemaj/PA)
Lord David Cameron met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem (Valdrin Xhemaj/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lord David Cameron told Benjamin Netanyahu of the need for a two-state solution after the Israeli prime minister rejected allies’ demands for Palestinian statehood.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated his call for an “immediate humanitarian pause” as they held a meeting at Mr Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

The Tory peer urged Israel to open more crossing points into Gaza to allow crucial humanitarian aid into the besieged strip.

He also called for the protection of medics and hospitals after their destruction in the war in Gaza triggered by Hamas’s wave of bloodshed in Israel on October 7.

Lord Cameron also met with Palestine Authority president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, in the West Bank, during his diplomatic mission to the Middle East.

Mr Netanyahu has maintained his objection to Palestinian statehood despite calls from the US to work towards the two-state solution after the conflict.

The leader of a far-right government, he said last week that the idea would “endanger the state of Israel” as he criticised the “attempt to coerce us”.

On Thursday, the Foreign Office said Lord Cameron reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s attempts to secure the release of the remaining hostages, believed to number about 130, still being held by Hamas.

But he also underlined to Mr Netanyahu that Britain believes long-term peace must be based on achieving a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in