London: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to embark on a three-day visit to the Gulf area to engage with key Middle Eastern partners, as announced by the UK Foreign Office. The visit aims to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and seek a framework for lasting peace in the region, particularly focusing on the situation in Gaza.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Lammy will meet with senior officials in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The discussions will revolve around establishing a consensus for a durable peace, highlighting the need for a ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas, and a new governance framework for Gaza. Lammy will emphasize the urgency of converting any ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement through a monitoring mechanism.
The Foreign Secretary plans to call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, pushing for the release of hostages and an increase in aid allowed into the territory. He has criticized the Israeli Government's stance on restricting aid to Gaza and will urge for more pressure to be applied to allow greater humanitarian assistance. Lammy will also stress the necessity for Hamas to release hostages and step back from governance roles in Gaza.
Lammy remarked, "The situation in Gaza is utterly bleak. Each day the humanitarian crisis worsens with famine threatening to spiral across the territory, while the hostages remain cruelly held captive." He reiterated the UK's commitment to working with Gulf partners to establish peace, emphasizing the importance of transforming a ceasefire into a lasting peace.
The UK has announced an additional £15 million (approximately USD 20.2 million) for medical care and aid in Gaza, raising its humanitarian funding commitment for the Occupied Palestinian Territories to £75 million (approximately 101.4 million) this financial year. This funding includes support for the United Nations Population Fund and UK Med's field hospitals in Gaza. Additionally, critically ill Gazan children are expected to arrive in the UK for specialist treatment later this month.
In parallel with peace talks, the UK intends to strengthen its trade ties with the Gulf region, enhancing a trade relationship valued at over £57 billion (approximately USD 77.1 billion) and exploring growth and investment opportunities for the UK. The UK also plans to affirm its commitment to a two-state solution, including the potential recognition of Palestinian statehood in coordination with international partners.