UK, Israeli premiers discuss possible cease-fire in Gaza, regional de-escalation

By Nur Asena Erturk

Britain's prime minister and his Israeli counterpart discussed a possible cease-fire in Gaza on Tuesday, according to an official statement.

Keir Starmer and Benjamin Netanyahu “discussed diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages,” said the British Prime Minister’s Office.

Starmer also “welcomed Israel’s support for the American ‘bridging proposal’ and emphasized the need to move quickly,” it added.

“Regional de-escalation was in everyone’s interests, as the impact of miscalculation would come at great costs for all sides, the leaders agreed,” the statement said.

Starmer also urged Netanyahu to “ensure greater access to detainees held by Israel, the increased delivery of aid to Gaza and to ensure international law was upheld at all times.”

For months, the US, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas to ensure a prisoner-hostage exchange and cease-fire and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

The conflict has resulted in over 40,170 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and more than 92,740 injuries, according to local health authorities.

The ongoing blockade of Gaza has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered a halt to military operations in the southern city of Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6.