James Cleverly (archived by Reuters)
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British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed on Thursday that the situation in Gaza will not end until Israel feels secure, underlining the need to provide a secure future that ensures coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis.
“I’m not sure Israel is using internationally banned weapons.”
The British Foreign Secretary added to Al Arabiya that his country refused to “vote for the UN resolution because it does not condemn the crimes of Hamas”, expressing hope that the war in Gaza will end as soon as possible.
He further added: “I cannot confirm that Israel has used prohibited weapons in Gaza,” noting that London has informed Tel Aviv “that what is happening in the West Bank is unacceptable.”
“A security role for Israel in Gaza”
He stressed that Britain supports a security role for Israel in Gaza for a transition period, adding: “We want a peaceful transfer of power in Gaza without the presence of Hamas.”
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He said the UK has long been committed to a two-state solution and to Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace.
“Two-State Solution”
In a statement released by the British Foreign Office after arriving in Saudi Arabia to meet Arab foreign ministers ahead of an emergency Arab summit on the war in Gaza next Saturday, Cleverly said: “The attacks Hamas’ October 7 meeting comes as a reminder of the need to redouble efforts towards a peaceful two-state solution.”
He stressed that calls for a ceasefire are understandable, “but what must be recognized is that Israel is taking measures to ensure its stability and security,” as he said.
“Responding to humanitarian needs”
He said he wanted to see a resolution to this conflict as soon as possible, stressing that the immediate challenge is to meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
He went on to say that his government seeks to push for a situation in which peace is achieved in the region, in which Israelis feel safe and protected, and in which Palestinians have a clear path to a sustainable state, as he said.
During his visit, Cleverly will meet with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, Bahrain and Kuwait.
He had arrived in Riyadh from Tokyo after attending the G7 meeting.