The recognition of the state of Palestine as part of a peace process for the Middle East constitutes an “unquestionable right”, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointed out to Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday.

Keir Starmer spoke to Mahmoud Abbas about the “continued suffering and devastating loss of life» in Gaza

Starmer also had a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, to whom he stressed the “clear and urgent” need to reach a ceasefire and return the hostages kidnapped by the Palestinian group Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

Labour’s election manifesto commits the party to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a process leading to a two-state solution alongside Israel.

A spokeswoman for Starmer said: “The Prime Minister said he was delighted to be able to speak to President Abbas so early in his tenure, given the urgent issues in the region, the ongoing suffering and devastating loss of life in Gaza.”

“The prime minister briefed President Abbas on his immediate priorities, among other things, securing a ceasefire, the return of hostages, an increase and acceleration of humanitarian aid and financial support to the Palestinian Authority.”

“Discussing the importance of reforms and asserting international legitimacy for Palestine, the Prime Minister stated that his longstanding policy on recognition that would contribute to a peace initiative has not changed and is an indisputable right of the Palestinians.”

In his phone call with Netanyahu, Starmer “reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of life following the October attacks” and then noted the “clear and urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of of humanitarian aid that will reach civilians”.

“He added that it is also important to ensure that the long-standing conditions for a two-state solution are in place, including assurance that the Palestinian Authority has the financial means to operate effectively.”

Keir Starmer noted that the situation on Israel’s northern border, where fire is being exchanged with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, is “very concerning” and it is “critical that all parties act with caution.”