UK, France reaffirm commitment to 2-state solution for Mideast's long-term future

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK and France on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution for the Middle East's long-term future, according to a statement by 10 Downing Street.

"The leaders (Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Macron) stressed the importance of getting urgent humanitarian support into Gaza. They agreed to work together on efforts both to get crucial food, fuel, water, and medicine to those who need it and to get foreign nationals out," it said.

Expressing their shared apprehension over the risk of further escalation, particularly in the West Bank, the leaders discussed their ongoing dialogues with regional stakeholders.

They also agreed that "it was important not to lose sight of the long-term future of the region and, in particular, the need for a two-state solution."

"They underscored that Hamas does not represent ordinary Palestinians and that their barbarism should not undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people," it said.

Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza since Oct. 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas carried out a cross-border attack, killing 1,400 people, and taking many hostages.

The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 8,005, including 3,342 children, 2,062 women, and 460 elderly, according to the Health Ministry.

The Israeli army's spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, on Saturday announced "expanding its operations," and moving to the "next phase of our war against Hamas," which includes ground operations.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are also grappling with shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine due to Israel’s blockade of the enclave.