London – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held meetings with regional leaders on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, where discussions focused on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Downing Street announced that Sunak met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and expressed gratitude for Qatar’s instrumental role in facilitating the recent humanitarian pause in Gaza. This pause resulted in the release of numerous hostages and the crucial delivery of additional aid.
However, both leaders expressed deep regret over the collapse of the pause and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to secure the release of all hostages and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance to those in need in Gaza. Prime Minister Sunak reiterated the need to work towards a two-state solution that guarantees the security and prosperity of both Israelis and Palestinians. He also stated that Hamas had proven itself to be an obstructive force in the pursuit of peace and had no future in Gaza.
Sunak also met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, assuring him that the United Kingdom is actively pressing Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law and address settler violence in the West Bank. Downing Street released a separate statement acknowledging Jordan’s significant role in addressing the crisis in Gaza and praising their generous provision of humanitarian support to Palestinian civilians, including the establishment of military field hospitals.
The British Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict that upholds dignity, peace, and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Sunak and King Abdullah II also emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation between the UK and Jordan, spanning trade, defense, and clean technology.
During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Sunak reiterated the UK’s support for the humanitarian response in Gaza. He expressed gratitude for Egypt’s ongoing efforts to deliver much-needed aid to Gaza and secure the release of hostages. The UK has sent planeloads of aid, including warehouse facilities and forklift trucks, to Egypt for prepositioning at the border with Gaza. Sunak assured El-Sisi that the UK is ready to provide further support, emphasizing the need to prevent forced displacement from Gaza and ensure the unimpeded distribution of aid throughout the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Friday, Sunak held discussions with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog regarding the conflict with Hamas and the conclusion of the humanitarian pause in Gaza. Downing Street stated that the prime minister reiterated the imperative of taking all possible measures to avoid civilian casualties and increasing the flow of aid to Gaza.
In a separate development, King Charles III, who is also attending COP28, met Sheikh Tamim on the sidelines of the summit to discuss bilateral relations and explore opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries and peoples. The meeting also touched upon key items on the summit’s agenda and various joint-interest developments.
Furthermore, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron engaged in talks with Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman to address the latest developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Discussions focused on measures to deescalate tensions and achieve a ceasefire. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar’s commitment, along with its mediation partners, to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring calm. He stressed the condemnation of all forms of targeting civilians and underscored the unacceptability of killing innocent people, particularly women and children, and implementing policies of collective punishment. The Qatari Foreign Secretary also emphasized the necessity of establishing humanitarian corridors to ensure the delivery of relief and aid to Palestinians affected by the ongoing bombardment.
As the crisis in Gaza continues, international leaders are engaging in diplomatic efforts to mitigate the situation, provide humanitarian support, and work towards a lasting resolution that brings stability and security to the region.
