UK-Israel diplomatic tensions arose when Israel deported two British members of parliament. After this tension, UK Government warned Israel of the inappropriate reaction. In return, the British government reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts.
In confirming the support for Palestine, On April 28, the United Kingdom welcomed Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to London. A central outcome of the visit will be the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. Moreover, UK unveils support package including £101m for Palestinian Authority.
UK-Israel Diplomatic Tensions: Israel Deported Two British MPs
UK-Israel diplomatic tensions arose when Israel deported two British MPs amid backlash over killings of Gaza medics. Israel refused them entry as part of a parliamentary delegation, according to the United Kingdom foreign secretary, David Lammy. Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed flew from London to Israel on Saturday and were rejected. It was because they were suspected of plans to “document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred.
In response, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a strong statement calling the action “unacceptable, unhelpful, and deeply concerning.” He confirmed that both MPs had returned safely, and the UK government had expressed its disapproval directly to Israeli counterparts. Lammy also reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts.
UK-Israel Diplomatic Tensions: Mohammad Mustafa and Starmer
On April 28, the United Kingdom welcomed Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to London. The visit marked the first official visit by a PA leader since 2021. It highlights a renewed commitment to strengthen the relations and progress the peace in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Ajansi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are hosting Mustafa. They are in a high-level diplomatic engagement that underscores the UK’s enduring support for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority. Officials describe their meeting as a “critical juncture” in the region. The UK unveils a support package including £101m for humanitarian relief, economic development, governance, and reform. The Foreign Secretary and Mr Mustafa will also sign a memorandum of understanding. The document will outline a two-state solution to help the independence of Palestine as a State.
Memorandum of Understanding
UK-Israel diplomatic tensions arose and in return, UK provided a visit with Mohammad Mustafa. A significant result of the visit is the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. The agreement reaffirms both parties’ commitment to a two-state solution. It also underscores the Palestinian Authority’s status as the sole legitimate governing body in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The document will stress the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. The document says it is the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They will discuss the UK’s “steadfast support” of the Palestinian Authority at the meeting. They will also talk about plans for reform and the UK’s support of the Palestinian people at a critical moment. Another topic is the UK Government’s commitment to a two-state solution as “the only long-term, lasting solution,” and said that that also applies to Gaza. This visit after the UK-Israel diplomatic tensions, will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state in the future as a contribution to that process.
Ending Israeli Genocidal War
In the meeting held by Britain after UK-Israel diplomatic tensions, PM Mustafa briefs UK officials on developments in Palestine. In addition, he reaffirms that ending Israeli genocidal war and occupation are binding obligations under international law. Palestine and its people’s situation is the primary concern of the meetings. They wish to mobilize international support.
In his meetings, Prime Minister Mustafa included the ongoing Israeli aggression and genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. He detailed the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the war-torn enclave, particularly Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid, food, and medicine. He also mentioned the occupied West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, where Israeli occupation aggression continues alongside accelerated colonial expansion. This aggression escalates colonists’ violence and the financial siege through the illegal withholding and piracy of Palestinian tax funds.
Palestinian People’s Rights to Freedom
The Prime Minister reiterated that halting the Israeli genocidal war is necessary. He mentioned that realizing the Palestinian people’s rights to freedom, dignity, return, and self-determination are not only Palestinian demands. This represents a binding obligation stemming from international law, the collective human conscience, and the shared humanity. He unequivocally rejected all Israeli actions to force Palestinians to move out of Gaza as well as the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.
Mustafa also urged British officials to defend the mandate of UNRWA against Israel’s campaign. Meanwhile, he asked them to ensure sustainable funding so the agency can fulfil its humanitarian and educational duties toward Palestine refugees. He further called for support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
Long-Term Peace for Palestine
The Palestinian Authority and the UK are strengthening ties to continue working towards long-term peace. Strengthening the UK-Palestinian partnership is a key component of the UK government’s Plan for Change, which supports long-term peace and security in the Middle East. The UK meetings and collaboration represent its intention to follow the two-state solution. In their view, the optimal path involves a secure Israel existing in parallel with a functional and independent Palestinian state.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said this visit significantly strengthens our relationship with the Palestinian Authority. He is a key partner for peace in the Middle East at a critical moment.
UK and Mohammad Mustafa: An Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
Moreover, both parties underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. They also want the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and the imperative that all sides fully comply with international humanitarian law. The United Kingdom recognized the Palestinian right to self-determination and intended to recognize the State of Palestine as an inalienable right.
Britain also condemned the expansion of Israeli colonies and the violence perpetrated by colonists. It called for an immediate and complete halt to all colonial activities. Both parties emphasized the urgent need for Israel to release the withheld Palestinian clearance revenues. They agreed to coordinate future efforts in Gaza, building on Palestinian, Egyptian, and broader Arab initiatives. These efforts would aim to establish unified Palestinian governance over all occupied territories, including the Gaza Strip.
