UK says 2-state solution 'only' way to achieve 'long-lasting' peace in Mideast

LONDON

The British government on Wednesday reiterated that a lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can "only" come through a two-state solution.

In the government's view, the Palestinian civilians have been through a "living nightmare for the last 14 months," Environment Secretary Steve Reed told Sky News.

Asked about US President Donald Trump's plans to "take over" Gaza, Reed underlined that Palestinians need to be able to return to their homes and then rebuild their lives.

"They will need an awful lot of support from the international community to do that," he said.

Trump triggered an uproar by suggesting that Palestinians in Gaza should be relocated to Jordan and Egypt, calling the enclave a “demolition site” after Israel’s devastating war.

A six-nation Arab ministerial meeting in Cairo on Saturday firmly rejected Palestinian displacement from Gaza and renewed calls for implementing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Tuesday, Trump said during a press conference in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US "will take over" Gaza after relocating Palestinians elsewhere.

The environment secretary reiterated the UK government's policy, saying they want "a long-lasting peace" in the Middle East which "can only be based on a two-state solution with a secure Israel living at peace with its neighbors, and a free and viable Palestinian side state alongside."

The Cabinet minister declined to provide specific comment on Trump's controversial remarks, but added: "It is the view of the United Kingdom government that the Palestinians should be able to return to their homes and rebuild their shattered lives."

Trump’s proposal came after the ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war that has killed more than 47,500 Palestinians and left the enclave in ruins.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November last year for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.