Two-state solution the only way to bring stability for Israelis and Palestinians, says UK’s foreign secretary

The two-state solution is the only way to bring about security, stability and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians, according to the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. (AP/File)
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Updated 16 September 2023
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Two-state solution the only way to bring stability for Israelis and Palestinians, says UK’s foreign secretary

  • Cleverly: ‘It’s clear from my visit here to the Palestinian territories that Palestinians, particularly young Palestinians, need to have their voices heard’
  • ‘Unacceptable levels of violence and bloodshed’ in 2023, says minister

DUBAI: The two-state solution is the only way to bring about security, stability and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians, according to the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
The minister reiterated the importance of the “two-state solution” and “the need for democratic renewal” during a recent visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In a 50-second video that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office posted on X, Cleverly said: “It’s clear from my visit here to the Palestinian territories that Palestinians, particularly young Palestinians, need to have their voices heard.

 


“Since I’ve been here, I’ve had honest and insightful conversations with young Palestinians on the challenges that they face and also their aspirations. They are, of course, the future.”
He goes on to say that there have been “unacceptable levels of violence and bloodshed” in 2023.
Cleverly added: “I’ve seen firsthand the impacts, the positive impact of (the) UK’s support to Palestinian refugees … UK funding is helping to provide education for millions of children across the Middle East.”
Meanwhile, in another video that the foreign secretary shared on his X handle during a visit to Israel — in which there is an iron dome shown behind him — he said: “Its purpose is to destroy rockets that threaten Israel from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
“This is state-of-the-art technology, and it protects regional security and stability.”
He said that the UK understands the threat posed by Iran.
He is heard saying in the 46-second video: “In a world that faces increased threats from hostile actors, Israel’s security is our security.
“And a strong Israel is vital to the security of the region, which is in everybody’s interest.”

 


Israeli airstrikes kill 9 in Gaza, including tent camp, Palestinian officials say

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Israeli airstrikes kill 9 in Gaza, including tent camp, Palestinian officials say

  • An Israeli military official said Israel Defense Forces were striking Hamas ‘terrorists’
  • Israel and Hamas ⁠have repeatedly accused each other of violating ‌the ceasefire deal
CAIRO/JERUSALEM: At least nine Palestinians ‌were killed in Israeli airstrikes in northern and southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, Palestinian civil defense and health officials said.
Medics said an Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment housing displaced families killed at least four people, while health officials said another strike killed five in Khan Younis in the south.
An Israeli military official said Israel Defense Forces were striking Hamas “terrorists” in response to “a violation (on Saturday) in ‌Beit Hanoun where ‌terrorists emerged from a tunnel east ‌of ⁠the yellow line.”
The ⁠official called Sunday’s strikes “precise” and in line with international law, and said Hamas had committed more than six violations of an October ceasefire, including deploying east of the “Yellow Line” agreed under the ceasefire to demarcate Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas.
Israel and Hamas ⁠have repeatedly accused each other of violating ‌the ceasefire deal, ‌a key element of US President Donald Trump’s plan to ‌end the Gaza war.
On Saturday, the military ‌said it had identified armed “terrorists” near IDF personnel operating in the northern Gaza Strip.
The IDF said it continued to destroy underground tunnels in the northern Gaza Strip ‌in accordance with the agreement.
It said it observed several gunmen emerging from ⁠what ⁠it said was a tunnel and entering beneath the rubble of a building east of the Yellow Line.
The military said Air Force aircraft had attacked the building and eliminated two gunmen and that it was likely that additional militants were eliminated in the strike.
The Gaza health ministry said at least 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the Gaza deal began. Israel said four soldiers were killed by militants in Gaza over the same period.