Palestinian President meets UK's Starmer to call for end to 'destruction and starvation'

Mahmoud Abbas in Britain as Israeli forces wage war on Gaza and destruction in occupied West Bank

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Downing Street, London. PA

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as the UK government prepares to recognise a Palestinian state.

Mr Abbas arrived in London on Sunday night for a three-day visit, as he seeks an immediate end to the war in Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

While the UK's intention to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly this month has been welcomed by Palestinian officials, concerns remain about London's approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and escalations in the West Bank.

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The leaders discussed the "intolerable situation in Gaza", a Downing Street representative said.

“The Prime Minister reiterated the need for an urgent solution to end the horrific suffering and famine – starting with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a huge surge in humanitarian aid," they added.

“The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s ongoing work with its partners on a long-term solution, which both leaders agreed is the only way to bring about enduring peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis. The Prime Minister welcomed the president’s commitment to reform of the Palestinian Authority as a vital part of this work.”

The representative said in a statement that Mr Abbas "welcomed the Prime Minister’s pledge to recognising a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting later this month, unless Israel changes its course. They both agreed there will be absolutely no role for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine".

Mr Abbas also held talks with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on the "urgent need to end the suffering in Gaza, with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and an unrestricted flow of aid".

The Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda "are vital to peace and a two-state solution", Ms Cooper wrote on social media.

Mr Abbas also met British doctors at a residence in London on Monday morning. The medics had been to Gaza to treat patients during the conflict.

He was told of "the urgent needs of the health sector in Gaza" and acknowledged the role played by overseas doctors in "conveying the voices of the victims" to audiences outside Gaza, the Palestinian state news agency said.

Downing Street said that the government still intended to recognise a Palestinian state this month, before the meeting of the UN General Assembly, "subject to the conditions that we set out".

“We’ve been very clear that Hamas will play no role in the future governance of Gaza or the West Bank, and must commit to disarmament,” Mr Starmer's representative said.

Mr Starmer earlier said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state to support a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis.

He has indicated he will do that in the coming weeks unless the Israeli government takes “substantive” steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to long-term, sustainable peace.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Getty Images

Mr Starmer has also demanded that Hamas releases all the Israeli hostages it has taken, signs up to a ceasefire and disarms.

But experts warn of a possible backlash from Israel if recognition from key European allies goes ahead. Last week, Palestinian diplomat Husam Zomlot warned that the West Bank could be officially annexed soon.

The meeting with Mr Starmer came after an attack in Jerusalem, in which Palestinians killed six Israelis and wounded 12, according to Israeli officials.

Ms Cooper said she was “horrified" by the attack in Jerusalem. Mr Abbas’s office issued a statement “condemning any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians”.