LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas in London and discussed the need for an urgent solution to end the horrific suffering and famine in war-hit Gaza
The meeting comes as the UK government has announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state later this month.
The leaders discussed the release of hostages held by Hamas, a spokesperson for Starmer’s Downing Street office said in a statement on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Abbas welcomed the UK’s “pledge to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting later this month,” the spokesperson added.
Several countries, including Britain and France, have announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month.
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has stated it will move forward with recognition if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza, which was sparked by the Hamas-led attack in October 2023.
Starmer has signaled that recognition could come within weeks unless Israel takes “substantive” steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commits to a long-term and sustainable peace.
Ahead of his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Downing Street said the talks are “part of the prime minister’s ongoing efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Gaza.”
During their talks, both leaders “agreed there will be absolutely no role for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine” and reiterated the need for a “long-term solution” to the conflict.
Abbas, 89, arrived in London on Sunday night for a three-day visit. He was barred from attending the general assembly in New York by the US State Department last month.
The Palestinian Authority is a civilian administration that governs parts of the West Bank, home to approximately three million Palestinians. These areas also include around half a million Israeli settlers living in communities widely regarded as illegal under international law.
Israel’s military operations in Gaza have drawn mounting global condemnation for their devastating impact on civilians.
While Tel Aviv cites security threats from Hamas to justify airstrikes, ground offensives, and blockades, human rights organisations accuse it of disproportionate force and collective punishment.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, at least 64,500 Palestinians have been killed and more than 163,000 wounded since October 2023, the overwhelming majority women and children. Thousands more remain buried under the rubble.
