Middle Eastern Leaders Call, PM Starmer Affirms Britain's Commitment To Peace And Security

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (Wikimedia Commons /Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street)

JAKARTA - Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was sworn in last week, stressed Britain's commitment to peace and security in the Middle East, during a series of phone calls with a number of regional leaders.

The Middle East is at the core of the Labor Party's foreign policy, the first-generation party, for facing a strong backlash over its support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza in the early weeks of war.

A phone call to Israeli, Palestinian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders came after PM Starmer held his newly elected cabinet meeting on Saturday, reported by The National News July 8.

He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "act carefully", as recent escalation on the northern border with Lebanon could lead to a war with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

He told PM Netanyahu Britain would "increasely deepen close ties between the two countries" and continue their " vital cooperation" to prevent security threats in the region.

Turning to the conflict in Gaza, PM Starmer again expressed his condolences for the lives lost during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, while also emphasizing "urgent need" for a ceasefire, hostage repatriation and "near increase" in humanitarian aid that reaches civilians.

He stressed the need to maintain the continuity of a two-state solution, which includes "ensuring the Palestinian Authority has the financial means to operate effectively," said a Downing Street representative.

In addition, Prime Minister Starmer also spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in which he assured him his "longstanding" policy of "invariant" Palestinian state recognition.

The state is an "undeniable right" of Palestinians, PM Starmer told President Abbas, adding Britain's recognition would be part of the contribution to the peace process.

Acknowledging the "destroying loss" in Gaza, the two discussed President Abbas's direct priorities, including securing a ceasefire, returning hostages, increasing and accelerating humanitarian aid, and financial support for the Palestinian Authority.

Separately, PM Starmer agreed to "deepen cooperation" with the UAE in terms of defense, cybersecurity, trade and investment ties, during a phone call with President Sheikh Mohamed.

"The Prime Minister thanked Sheikh Bin Zayed for his kind words for his election victory, congratulating Sheikh Bin Zayed for the success of the Cop28 summit in the UAE last year," a government spokesman said.