2-state solution for Israelis, Palestinians ‘essential’ for lasting peace: British premier

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday stressed the need for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, saying this was “essential” for lasting peace.

"Our support for a two-state solution is highly valued across the region, but it can’t be a cliched talking point to roll out at times like this. The truth is that in recent years, energy has moved into other avenues like the Abraham Accords and normalization talks with Saudi Arabia,” Rishi said in his speech at the House of Commons.

He was briefing the parliament after his last week’s visits to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on the deadly attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, Sunak said the explosion was likely caused “by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel."

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 471 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the hospital last Tuesday. Israel has denied any responsibility for the strike.