Israel and Sunak at loggerheads after ambassador rubbishes two-state solution

14 December 2023 , 21:13

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Injured Palestinians in Khan Yunis, Gaza (Image: Getty Images)

A row flared yesterday after Israel ruled out a “two state” solution when its war with Hamas in Gaza is over.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the United States condemned the remarks by Israeli ambassador to Britain Tzipi Hotovely.

Asked about Palestinians having their own state, she said: “Absolutely no. The world should know now the Palestinians never wanted a state next to Israel.”

Mr Sunak said: “The two-state solution is the right outcome. Far too many innocent people have lost their lives.” Foreign Secretary David Cameron called the ambassador’s remarks disappointing but warned against putting “too much weight on one interview”.

Row: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (AFP via Getty Images)

The war began 10 weeks ago when Hamas militants murdered 1,200 Israelis and took 240 hostage. Around 18,000 Palestinians have since died in Israeli reprisals, Hamas claims.

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Meanwhile, as opposition to the war grows, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said fighting will continue “with or without” international support “until the end, until victory, until the elimination of Hamas”. PM Benjamin Netanyahu later added: “Nothing will stop us.”

Israel said it had arrested more than 70 Hamas fighters at a hospital in the north of Gaza. Health officials there said soldiers stopped staff giving care, leading to two deaths.

And at least 27 died in overnight strikes on buildings in Rafah, south Gaza.

The UK has said it will bar entry to Israelis responsible for attacking Palestinians in the West Bank.

Andy Lines