PM calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
David Cameron spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
A Number 10 spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister called Prime Minister Netanyahu this evening to discuss the latest ceasefire in Israel and Gaza and prospects for a longer term solution to the conflict.
The Prime Minister reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself and said he hoped that discussions in Egypt would result in a permanent ceasefire.
The Prime Minister emphasised that both sides would need to take the necessary but sometimes difficult steps to achieve that goal, and that a genuine peace deal was the only way to allow Palestinians and Israelis to live alongside one another, free from terror.
The Prime Minister spoke to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan this afternoon about the situation in Iraq and Gaza.
On Iraq, they agreed on the need for a smooth transition in Baghdad and the swift formation of a unity government under Prime Minister designate, Dr Al-Abadi. Furthermore, they agreed on the importance of a new inclusive Iraqi government which could unite all Iraqis against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and command the confidence and support of the international community.
On the humanitarian suffering, both leaders agreed on the need for international efforts to move quickly and to be well coordinated. On Gaza, they agreed on the urgent need for the current ceasefire to lead to a lasting peace deal, ending the bloodshed for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Read more about the UK government’s response to the situation in Iraq.