Resumed peace talks ‘could define future of Middle East’ – David Lammy
In a statement on Thursday evening Mr Lammy said it is was a ‘crucial moment for global stability’.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said resumed talks aiming to halt the Israel-Hamas war “could define the future of the Middle East”.
The US, Qatar and Egypt are to meet with an Israeli delegation in Qatar, accusing Israel of adding new demands to a previous proposal that had US and international support.
Hamas has not yet said whether it will be participating.
Mediating parties have been attempting to secure an agreement to a three-phase plan in which Hamas would release a number of hostages captured in the October 7 attack in exchange for a lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Escalating tension has reiterated fear of all-out war in the region as fire is now regularly exchanged between Lebanon-backed Hezbollah and the Israeli military.
In a statement on Thursday evening Mr Lammy said it was “a crucial moment for global stability”.
He said: “The coming hours and days could define the future of the Middle East. That is why today, and every day, we are urging for our partners across the region to choose peace.
“As the UK made clear at the UN Security Council this week, the situation in Gaza is devastating. The strike on the al-Tabeen school demonstrated that Palestinians in Gaza have nowhere safe to turn.
“These talks are an opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire that protects civilians in Gaza, secures the release of hostages still cruelly held by Hamas and restores stability at a dangerous moment for the region.
“The UK will continue to use every diplomatic lever to bring about a ceasefire.
“In the last week, I have spoken with partners from across the region on the urgent need to bring this conflict to an end and the Prime Minister has spoken to his US, French and German counterparts, as well as the Iranian and Egyptian Presidents.
“It is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians for a deal to be agreed, urgently.
“I urge all parties to engage in the negotiations in good faith and show the flexibility needed to reach an agreement.
“I thank Qatar, Egypt, the US and all international partners for their efforts in coordinating this vital moment.”
Israeli forces have regularly targeted mosques, schools, hospitals and cemeteries in Gaza where it claims fighters or tunnels are located, often causing civilian casualties.
The fighting has also killed 329 Israeli soldiers.
