STORY
The United Kingdom has reinforced its commitment to Middle East peace by hosting Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa for the first official visit to the UK since 2021. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the two-state solution and bolstering the PA’s governance capabilities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed Prime Minister Mustafa to London, underscoring the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people during a critical period in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The MoU reaffirms the UK’s recognition of the PA as the sole legitimate governing body in these territories and emphasizes the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority.
In conjunction with the MoU, the UK announced a £101 million aid package directed at humanitarian relief, economic development, and governance reforms within the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding aims to support the PA’s reform agenda, enhance service delivery, and promote financial sustainability.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the significance of the visit, stating:
“This visit marks a significant step in strengthening our relationship with the Palestinian Authority – a key partner for peace in the Middle East – at a critical moment.”
The UK and PA also agreed on a coordinated approach to Gaza’s future, building on Arab and Palestinian-led initiatives. The UK reiterated that Hamas must immediately release hostages and relinquish control of Gaza, advocating for the PA’s central role in governance, security, and reconstruction efforts