Foreign Secretary visits Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories (May 2021)

Statement by Sonia Farrey, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict

25 May 2021

The Foreign Secretary will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah during his 1-day visit. The UK remains committed to the 2-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 the 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.