UK urges to curb West Bank violence, allow Gaza aid

• Miliband and Sa'ar hold first diplomatic call.
• UK urges Gaza aid access and West Bank action.
• Miliband demands Hamas disarm and 'Israeli' withdrawal.
• Ministers discuss Iran and antisemitism concerns.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband held a "frank and constructive" initial telephone call with 'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, reaffirming the British government's commitment to open dialogue and a two-state solution.

In an official statement released by the UK Foreign Office, Miliband emphasized the government's stance on establishing a safe and secure State of 'Israel' alongside an independent Palestinian State.

West Bank violence, Gaza aid blockages, and ceasefire plan

During the call, Miliband raised sharp concerns regarding ongoing developments in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The Foreign Secretary stated that 'Israel' must take immediate action to curb settler violence and halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, while demanding an immediate end to blockages hindering humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.

Addressing the broader conflict framework, Miliband outlined key requirements for political progress:

• Hamas Disarmament: Reasserted that Hamas must decommission its weapons.
• Military Withdrawal: Called for the withdrawal of the 'Israeli' military.
• Framework Implementation: Urged all parties to demonstrate progress on the 20-point plan.

Anti-proliferation

Beyond the regional conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, the two foreign ministers addressed broader security matters facing both nations.

Miliband noted that he and Sa'ar agreed on the necessity of countering antisemitism internationally, while emphasizing a shared strategic imperative regarding regional security.

"We discussed shared security challenges and agreed on the need to stamp out the scourge of antisemitism around the world," Miliband stated. "We also discussed our vital shared interest in ensuring that we never see a nuclear Iran."