From the Liveblog of
Monday, April 28, 2025
UK’s Starmer to host Palestinian Authority PM in London with pledge to advance statehood
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are slated to host Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in London today, and will sign a memorandum of understanding “enshrining their commitment to advancing Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution,” says the Foreign Office.
The MOU will also “stress that the Palestinian Authority is the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and underlines the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority.”
Israel rejects handing Gaza over to the PA. Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated in a speech that the PA isn’t any better than Hamas — both want to destroy Israel, but the PA is currently using lawfare rather than military means, he said.
In London today, the two sides will agree on a “coordinated approach” to Gaza’s future, says the statement, based on Arab initiatives. “The UK will make clear that Hamas must immediately release the hostages and relinquish control of Gaza.”
London will announce a £101 million (NIS 490 million) relief package for economic development and for support of PA governance and reform.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit “reflects the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people at a critical juncture in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.”
“The UK is clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza and we are committed to working with the Palestinian Authority as the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” says Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
“We will not give up on the two-state solution, with a Palestinian state and Israel living side-by-side in peace, dignity and security. I reaffirm the UK’s commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to that process, at a time that has the greatest impact.”
The Times of Israel Community.