UK Foreign Secretary Miliband presses Sa’ar on Gaza aid, West Bank violence

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pressed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on humanitarian aid to Gaza and violence in the West Bank during their first phone conversation. The discussion also covered Hamas disarmament, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the global fight against antisemitism.

Miliband characterized the call as "frank and constructive," reaffirming the British government's dedication to open dialogue and a two-state solution. He stressed the importance of "a safe and secure State of Israel and Palestinian State."

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Miliband described the conversation with Sa'ar as a "frank and constructive first call," saying the British government remained committed to open dialogue and a two-state solution that would include "a safe and secure State of Israel and Palestinian State."

During the conversation, Miliband specifically raised concerns about a "sharp escalation of settler violence and settlement expansion." He stated, "I said Israel must crack down on violence in the West Bank, and must immediately end blockages on aid into Gaza."

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I said Israel must crack down on violence in the West Bank, and must immediately end blockages on aid into Gaza.

The exchange highlights ongoing disagreements between the UK and Israel regarding the West Bank and the future of a two-state solution. Earlier this year, Sa'ar had a public clash with then-British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at the UN Security Council over Israeli policies in the West Bank.

Additionally, Miliband called for Hamas to disarm and for the IDF to withdraw, referencing progress needed on U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan. Both ministers also acknowledged shared security challenges and agreed on the "vital shared interest in ensuring that we never see a nuclear Iran."

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vital shared interest in ensuring that we never see a nuclear Iran.