UK foreign secretary holds talks with Palestinian prime minister

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK's foreign secretary held a series of high-level talks on Sunday, including with the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

James Cleverly's diplomatic efforts also included Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

The discussions sought to address a recent surge in fighting following a surprise attack against Israel by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas early on Saturday.

Cleverly underlined the UK's "condemnation of Hamas's terrorist attacks, as well as the need to work together to prevent further attacks and to prevent a wider escalation in the region."

"Eli (Cohen) - as I said on our call earlier today, the UK's position is unequivocal. The UK is resolute in our support of Israel in the face of terrorism. The UK stands with Israel," Cleverly said on X.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a picture of 10 Downing Street in blue and white with the simple message: "We stand with Israel."

Sunak has expressed the UK's readiness to provide diplomatic and security support to Israel.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Saturday, saying the surprise, multifront attack on Israel was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

At least 417 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,200 others injured in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while the Israeli death toll climbed to over 700.