UK welcomes appointment of new Palestinian premier

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Britain’s foreign secretary congratulated Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa for his appointment to his new role in a phone call Tuesday and reiterated the UK’s support for the Palestinian Authority.

During the call, David Cameron said that along with an international support package, the formation of a new Palestinian government for the West Bank and Gaza is a "vital element for lasting peace," said a Foreign Office statement.

"The Foreign Secretary made clear that the UK is ready to work with our allies to provide the serious, practical and enduring support needed to bolster the Palestinian Authority," the statement noted.

Cameron and Mustafa agreed on the urgent need for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and for an "immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, and then progress towards a sustainable permanent cease-fire, without a return to destruction, fighting, and loss of life."

The statement said the Palestinian Authority "must in parallel take much needed steps on reform," including on education and welfare and setting out a pathway to democratic progress.

The two agreed to remain in contact and take forward discussions over the coming days and weeks, according to the Foreign Office.

Last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas approved a new government led by Mustafa, making it the 19th in the country's history.