Starmer Meets with Palestinian president Abbas Amidst Rising UK-Israel Tensions
LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in London on Sunday evening, as part of ongoing efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Gaza, according to the Prime Minister’s office.Abbas, 88, is on a three-day visit to the UK, seeking to garner support for ending “aggression, destruction and starvation of the Palestinian people.”
The meeting comes as the UK considers formally recognizing a Palestinian state. Starmer announced in July that the United Kingdom will acknowledge the existence of the Palestine State at the UN General Assembly in September if the Israeli government does not take significant steps to improve the situation in Gaza and establish a ceasefire. London will evaluate progress made by both sides in the coming days to determine its final decision.
Alongside diplomatic efforts, Starmer has demanded Hamas immediately release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and commit to not participating in any future Gaza government.
The UK’s relationship with Israel has become increasingly strained due to the ongoing conflict. London recently suspended some arms exports to Israel and has excluded Israeli leaders from the largest British arms show beginning Tuesday.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to arrive in the UK on Tuesday for an official visit, but it remains unclear whether he will meet with Starmer.