Rishi Sunak insisted Britain still backs a two-state solution in the Middle East after the Israeli ambassador dismissed the idea.
The PM said the UK ‘doesn’t agree’ with Tzipi Hotovely’s comments that there is ‘absolutely no’ prospect of a Palestinian state.
The envoy to London made the remark in an interview with Sky News, as fighting continues in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7 massacre of Israeli civilians.
Asked whether there was a chance of a Palestinian state, Ms Hotovely said: ‘Absolutely no.’
Pressed on how peace could be achieved without two states, she responded: ‘Israel knows today, and the world should know now that the Palestinians never wanted to have a state next to Israel.
Rishi Sunak (right) said the UK ‘doesn’t agree’ with Tzipi Hotovely’s comments that there is ‘absolutely no’ prospect of a Palestinian state
‘They want to have a state from the river to the sea. They are saying it loud and clear.
‘It’s now two months after the war started. The Palestinian Authority didn’t condemn this massacre. It’s such a big problem.’
Questioned by broadcasters on a visit to the Wren Academy in Finchley, north London, Mr Sunak said: ‘We don’t agree with that.
‘Our longstanding position remains the two-state solution is the right outcome here.
‘And more immediately, what is going on is incredibly concerning. I’ve said consistently, far too many innocent people have lost their lives.
‘No-one wants this conflict to go on for a moment longer than is necessary.’
Mr Sunak added: ‘We will continue to support calls for a sustainable ceasefire where hostages are released, more aid can get in, and the rockets, crucially, stop being fired from Hamas into Israel as well.’