mINISTER FOR THE MIDDLE EAST promises to continue pushing for a permanent peace in Gaza in reply to Stephen
Yesterday, 23 January, the Foreign Office replied to Stephen’s letter, which welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and urged the Government to push for a permanent peace and a two-state solution. The Minister for the Middle East promised to continue to push for a “lasting peace in the region.”
Over a year of conflict in Gaza ended on 17 January when a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was ratified by the Israeli Government. The ceasefire commits Hamas to releasing the hostages in stages, with Israel releasing 30 to 50 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for each hostage.
Stephen wrote to the Foreign Secretary to welcome the ceasefire and urge the Government to push for a lasting peace through a two-state solution. Hamish Falconer, the Minister for the Middle East, replied to Stephen yesterday.
“From its first day in office, this Government has pressed for an immediate ceasefire, to free the hostages and to bring relief, reconstruction and hope to civilians who have suffered so much,” the Minister stated.
“Our attention must turn to how we can secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and stable Palestinian state. The Foreign Secretary and his entire Ministerial team will continue to do all they can to seize this chance for a better future and secure lasting peace in the region.”