Tag: international affairs

PM meets Ukraine’s President

The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit yesterday

The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit yesterday. 

The Prime Minister offered his deepest condolences for the awful attack on a Ukrainian hospital. 

The Prime Minister reiterated that the change in government in the UK meant no change in the UK’s support for Ukraine, as illustrated by the early visit of the Defence Secretary. 

President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for his kind words in relation to the attack of the hospital, and the immediate steps the UK has taken to further support Ukraine.

They discussed further work to strengthen the maritime capability coalition, broader Ukrainian defensive capabilities, and diplomatic efforts to build on the recent Peace Summit in Switzerland. 

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to speaking further at the European Political Community meeting in the UK next week.

UK to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, PM to tell NATO

The international community cannot waver in the face of relentless Russian aggression, the Prime Minister will tell NATO today

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer recommits to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine until 2030/31 and for as long as needed
  • He will warn Allies that the frontline defence of the Euro-Atlantic region is the Ukrainian trenches 
  • Comes after the UK pledges to accelerate lethal aid support to Kyiv 

The international community cannot waver in the face of relentless Russian aggression, the Prime Minister will tell NATO today as he doubles down on the UK’s £3 billion per year package of military funding for as long as needed. 

The confirmation of the UK’s multi-year £3 billion military funding package for Ukraine comes after President Putin unleashed a string of sickening attacks this week, including a devastating attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv. 

The Prime Minister will tell NATO leaders that President Putin’s depraved acts will only serve to steel the international community’s resolve to support Ukraine. 

As well as ensuring Ukraine has the financial support it needs to plan and fuel its defence against Russian forces, the UK will deliver a new package of artillery and 90 Brimstone missiles in the coming weeks. 

The commitment was made by the Defence Secretary after he travelled to Ukraine – at the request of the Prime Minister – on his first full day in the office. 

The UK has also confirmed it will contribute £40 million to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine. The UK is the third largest donor to the Package, ensuring Ukraine can access vital assistance in key areas including counter drone protection, demining of recaptured land and medical rehabilitation of its injured military personnel. 

In addition, the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine will place a new order, worth £300 million, for 120,000 rounds of 152mm soviet-era ammunition bolstering Ukraine’s defences against Russia.

Speaking to President Zelenskyy in their first official bilateral, the Prime Minister underscored that Ukraine is on an irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO. 

The Prime Minister also met President Biden at the White House last night..

The Prime Minister congratulated President Biden for hosting an excellent NATO summit so far. Both leaders agreed that in its 75th year, NATO is stronger and more united than ever. 

They reflected on the importance of the NATO alliance and the special relationship in the context of current geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. They agreed we must continue to do whatever it takes to support Ukraine and ensure aggressors like Putin do not win.

Moving on to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza, they discussed their shared ambition for an immediate ceasefire to get hostages out, get humanitarian aid in and make progress towards a two-state solution. 

The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent comments on establishing closer relationships with our European counterparts, as well as the UK’s commitment to AUKUS. They reflected that at a time when we face growing challenges across the world, we are at our strongest when we unite and work together.

This morning [Thursday, 11 July], the Prime Minister will tell NATO allies during a special session on Ukraine that the alliance must follow in the footsteps of its founders and stand up for the values the international community holds so dear. 

He will also warn that the frontline defence of the Euro-Atlantic region is the Ukrainian trenches. 

He will say: “NATO was founded by the generation who defeated fascism. They understood not just the value of our strength, but the strength of our values. 

“Those values are under attack once again. Putin needs to hear a clear message ringing out from this summit – a message of unity and determination, that we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to uphold our shared values and our shared security. “ 

The UK has delivered almost £12.5bn in military, humanitarian and economic support for Ukraine since Russia’s illegal and miscalculated full scale invasion in February 2022. 

This year alone, the UK has committed 200 new air defence missiles, more than £300 million worth of advanced drones and 50 new sanctions to suffocate profit streams fuelling Putin’s war machine. 

Since the launch of Putin’s assault, the Ministry of Defence estimates that more than 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured in pursuit of his pointless ambitions.

Israel to ‘legalise’ five outposts in West Bank

The UK government has released a statement in response to Israel announcing that five outposts are to be ‘legalised’ in the West Bank.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “The UK strongly opposes the announcement that five outposts are to be legalised in the West Bank as well as further punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority.

“Israel must halt its illegal settlement expansion and hold to account those responsible for extremist settler violence.

“We are clear that actions by Israel to weaken the Palestinian Authority must stop. We call for longer-term measures to be put in place to ensure continued correspondent banking relations and assurance that Israel will release frozen funds without delay.

“The UK’s priority is to bring the Gaza conflict to a sustainable end as quickly as possible and ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East, through an irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.”

Official condemnation, then – but all the while the UK continues to supply weapons to Israel.

More than 16,000 Palestinian children have been slaughtered during the current conflict. Tens of thousands of innocent families have seen their lives shattered.

I wonder if Sir Keir Starmer’s incoming Labour government will do anything different to address the plight of the Palestinian people, or will it be more of the same – business as usual for the arms dealers, words not deeds and more hand-wringing from our political leaders as the slaughter continues? – Ed.

Funding commitments show UK as ‘force for global good’ at G7 Summit

SUNAK’S LAST STAND ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE?

The Prime Minister will make the case for a world economy that is more peaceful, stable, and prosperous and for bold reforms to global governance to make it more inclusive and responsive to citizens as he attends the second day of the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy today (Friday 14 June).

  • PM to call for peaceful, stable, prosperous world economy at G7. 
  • Millions of development funding to help tackle climate change in Africa. 
  • New programme to fund safe and responsible AI projects across the globe.

During a global outreach session focused on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, and Africa and the Mediterranean, he will argue that this means reforming the international financial system to unlock the finance we need to accelerate progress against the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the voices of the most vulnerable at the top table of international politics. 

He will outline the importance of supporting countries in delivering their own clean energy transitions, and in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.

To support this he will announce multi-year ODA funding which could exceed £100m, including several high-impact African projects and a £20m expansion of the AI for Development programme into Asia – building on £38m the UK is already investing in Africa.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The UK is committed to driving a more effective international system that improves lives for people across the globe and at home. 

“The green transition and the development of AI are key components of this, and the funding announced today will help ensure that these seismic changes happen in a way that works for all.”

The AI for Development programme, was launched at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in November 2023 to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa.  

The UK-Canada partnership, with support from the US, Australia, and other partners, will help ensure this ground-breaking technology is accessible to as many people as possible across the globe as well as deliver new AI labs to train the next generation of developers, policymakers and thought leaders, to drive responsible and inclusive AI policy. 

The funding outlined today includes £57m of ODA to the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, which will accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in developing countries. It will provide even more countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia with the UK expertise needed to support improved, climate resilient infrastructure. 

The multi-year ODA funding will include up to £35 million into the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will catalyse greater investment into sustainable infrastructure projects across the continent. The finance will help to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit, by accelerating investment at scale into new green infrastructure.  

Partnering with the World Bank and the EU to support African regional electricity transmission and strengthen climate resilience, £15m will contribute to the Zambian side of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector as part of a $300m project that will link the Southern and East African Power Pools.

Leading with our development partners to invest in energy infrastructure in Zambia will aid the country to access clean energy. This is vital for poverty reduction and economic development.  

This investment, alongside a £300,000 contribution for mapping by the British Geological Survey in Angola, will be crucial in supporting the economic development along the length of the Lobito Corridor. 

The funding also includes £500,000 for an initiative to support planning, prioritisation and implementation of green infrastructure initiatives between the UK, the Government of Kenya and the wider G7.

Focusing on transport projects selected from the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), this innovative partnership will lead to closer cooperation with the Kenyan Government on strategic infrastructure and investment and is the first partnership between the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and AGII.

All very impressive – and lots of nice pictures for the family album – but is it enough to save the Tory government and Rishi Sunak’s job?

Chancellor in US to stress importance of being stronger when standing together

  • Jeremy Hunt will visit New York today, followed by a two-day trip to Washington D.C. for the IMF Spring Meetings.
  • Chancellor in New York seeking to strengthen ties between the British and US economies.
  • Hunt will amplify UK leadership on international issues at IMF Springs, including support for Ukraine and condemnation of the Iranian regime’s attack on Israel.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will today embark on a three-day trip to the U.S., visiting New York before heading to Washington D.C. to attend the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings. 

The Chancellor will be in New York looking to build upon the rock-solid economic relationship between the UK and US – one which mirrors the strength of the geopolitical alliance between the two and is based on shared values on the world stage.

Mr Hunt will meet with a range of executives from the likes of Bloomberg, Comcast and Blackrock setting out the case for Britain’s financial services and creative industries. Both sectors are important for a UK economy that is bouncing back, with Britain boasting the largest film and TV industry in Europe while also being the largest net exporter of financial services globally. 

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “At times of instability across the globe, we are reminded that we are stronger when we stand together. The US is our most important strategic ally and we are both at the forefront of keeping the world safe.

“Our economic relationship sees $1 trillion invested in one another’s countries and I will be looking to deepen it further during my time in New York.”

The Chancellor will then head to Washington D.C. on Wednesday for the IMF’s Spring Meetings, at which he is expected to highlight the professionalism and bravery of Royal Air Force aircraft in intercepting a number of Iranian attack drones fired at Israel.

Additional RAF planes have been deployed to the region and the UK continues to work urgently with regional partners to stabilise the situation. Britain’s position continues to be for an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life, as the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in.

Amid global instability, Mr Hunt will stress the need to stick to a plan for the British economy that has already seen real progress being made – with inflation down from its peak of 11.1% to 3.4%, rising wages consistently outstripping that inflation, and official statistics showing growth across the economy in 2024 thus far.

Such progress helped to deliver record cuts to National Insurance for 29 million working people at the start of April – with the average worker earning £35,000 starting to see the benefits of an over £900 per year saving in their payslips this month – as part of a long-term ambition to end the unfair double tax on work. 

The Chancellor will also underline the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and how Britain is keeping up pressure on Russia via its sanctions regime – the largest and most severe package ever imposed on any major economy, with over 2,000 individuals and entities now sanctioned. This follows an announcement last week in which Britain acted in conjunction with the U.S. to significantly extend the scope of sanctions on imports of Russian metals by bringing the world’s two largest metal exchanges into the scope of the existing ban. 

Mr Hunt will meet with G7 and G20 partners, as well as chairing a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. During his meetings, the Chancellor will promote collaboration on issues including artificial intelligence, global economic security and supply chain resilience. British support for developing countries is also on his agenda, including driving reform of the international financial system so it can support all countries in addressing global challenges. 

On his attendance of the IMF Spring Meetings, Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “The UK’s resilient economy is on the up, and it is from this improving position that we can be the best partner possible to our friends around the world – including standing steadfast with Ukraine in its fight against President Putin and standing up for Israel’s security.” 

The Chancellor last visited the U.S. in October last year, speaking to executives from tech giants including Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft as he travelled to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. The U.S. is Britain’s largest single trading partner, worth 17.7% of total UK trade – with this totalling £315.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2023. 

PM statement on Iranian regime’s ‘reckless’ attack against Israel

IRAN launched drones in a retaliatory attack on Israel last night.

Iran was responding to an Israeli attack on their embassy in Damascus earlier this month in which a senior military leader was killed.

Israeli defences, with the support of US allies, intercepted ‘hundreds’ of missiles in last night’s attack and it’s understood there are few casualties

Words from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the Iranian regime’s attack against Israel:

“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region.

“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. 

“Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

UK Military Activity in the Middle East

Statement from UK’s Ministry of Defence

In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.

We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.

We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation.

Statement on 10th Anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea

The UK Government has issued a statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “Ten years ago Russia illegally, and unacceptably sought to annex Crimea. An action which, eight years later was used to launch its full-scale invasion into Ukraine.

“Today, Russia continues to deprive Ukrainians in Crimea of their liberty, waging a brutal and systematic campaign of human rights abuses and violations. This is unacceptable, and Russia must be held to account.

“We want to be clear that the UK will never recognise Russia’s illegal claims to the region, or to any Ukrainian territory and that we will continue to do all we can to stop Putin’s war machine, and support Ukraine in their fight, for as long as it takes.”

Ukraine: Prime Minister statement

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a statement to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response. We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination.

I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering.

It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion, but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law, on which we all depend. 

The UK is going further in our support. I announced last month the biggest single package of defence aid to Ukraine, taking our total support to £12 billion and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation – the first of its kind. 

This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. 

We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.

First Minister Humza Yousaf to attend Ukrainian memorial service

Solidarity with Ukraine

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the First Minister will attend a service held at Edinburgh Castle in memory of those who have died during the conflict.

The event is a collaboration between the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh Branch and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain.

During the service, the First Minister will deliver a reading as well as lay a wreath alongside Mr Andrii Kuslii, Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and members of the Ukrainian communities living in Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “On the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, I want to make it clear that the people of Scotland remain steadfast in support of the country and its brave citizens.

“Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, the rule of law, and the right of countries across Europe to coexist in peace and security.

“As we mourn the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, we also look ahead positively, hoping for a day soon when Ukraine can live in peace as a free, sovereign, European nation.”

Joint Statement on additional strikes against the Houthis in Yemen

‘YESTERDAY, at the direction of their respective governments, the militaries of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand conducted an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes against 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen in response to the Houthis’ continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea.

‘These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade, and the lives of innocent mariners, and are in response to a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi actions since previous coalition strikes on January 11 and 22, 2024, including the January 27 attack which struck and set ablaze the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda.

‘Today’s strike specifically targeted sites associated with the Houthis’ deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars.

‘The Houthis’ now more than 30 attacks on commercial vessels and naval vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Recognizing the broad consensus of the international community, our coalition of likeminded countries committed to upholding the rules-based order has continued to grow.

‘We remain committed to protecting freedom of navigation and international commerce and holding the Houthis accountable for their illegal and unjustifiable attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels.

‘Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to continue to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats.”

UK DEFENCE AND ARMED FORCES STATEMENT:

On 3 February, Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by Voyager tankers, joined US forces in further deliberate strikes against Houthi locations in Yemen involved in their campaign targeting shipping in the Bab al Mandab and southern Red Sea.

The Typhoons employed Paveway IV precision guided bombs against multiple military targets identified by careful intelligence analysis at three locations. 

At As Salif, due west of Sanaa on the Red Sea coast, our aircraft targeted a ground control station inside a defensive position. This station had been used to control Houthi drones, both attack and reconnaissance types, launched from further inland, operating over the sea against international shipping. 

A second drone ground control station was confirmed to be at Al Munirah, on the same stretch of coastline. As with As Salif, the station provided direct control of reconnaissance and attack drones targeting shipping in the Red Sea, its position on the coast allowing it to maintain the line of sight data links such weapons require to target ships with any accuracy. 

The Typhoons also attacked a significant number of targets at Bani. An initial group of facilities there were successfully struck by the RAF on the night of 11 January, and since then a further set of buildings at the site had been positively confirmed as involved in the Houthi drone and missile operations and were duly targeted on this occasion.

As is standard practice with such operations by the Royal Air Force, the strikes were very carefully planned to ensure minimal risk of civilian casualties, and by bombing at night, any such risks were further mitigated

The United Kingdom condemns military clashes across Sudan

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at yesterday’s UN Security Council meeting on Sudan:

Thank you, President.  And may I start by  thanking SRSG Volker Perthes, ASG Joyce Msuya, Her Excellency Fatima Mohamed and Special Envoy, Ismael Wais.

SRSG, can I begin by paying tribute to your tireless work, to the work of the UNITAMS team, to the UN agencies and NGO implementing partners on the ground. We are very relieved that the operation to evacuate and relocate international and UN workers was successful and we thank you and your teams for your commitment and dedication to Sudan, and extend our condolences to those colleagues who have lost their lives.

For the UK, we carried out our own operation to evacuate British embassy personnel on 23 April and today we have begun flying out British Nationals.

We would like to thank our international partners for their co-operation in these efforts.  Our priority continues to be the safety of all British nationals in Sudan and support to those in need.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the military clashes that continue to take place across Sudan. We echo the Secretary General’s calls for peace and especially for an end to attacks on civilians, and humanitarian workers.

Hundreds have died, thousands are injured. Adding to acute humanitarian needs across the country.

We welcome the 72-hour ceasefire brokered yesterday by the United States, but we are concerned by reports that once again the parties have failed to uphold their commitments.

We call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces immediately to establish a lasting ceasefire across the country and we are in direct contact with the SAF and RSF leadership to end the violence and de-escalate tensions.

We call on both sides to allow humanitarian access, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian and medical workers.

We welcome and encourage continued regional and diplomatic initiatives including those set out today. We will continue to work with all Council members and the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the Council supports efforts towards an end to fighting, a permanent ceasefire and a political resolution.

In closing, we stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

Scottish Government call to provide safe routes for people in need of protection

Holyrood’s External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has written to the Foreign Secretary to express the Scottish Government’s deep concern over the current conflict in Sudan.

In the letter, Mr Robertson said a number of Scots and family members had been in touch with the Scottish Government and he thanked all those in the Armed Forces and UK Government currently working on evacuation efforts.

Mr Robertson also called for eligibility criteria to be eased to enable Sudanese citizens to be reunited with family members already in the UK, and for consideration to be given to the evacuation of non-British nationals who have worked for UK interests in Sudan.

The letter reads:

Dear James,

The Scottish Government stands with the UK Government and international community in deep concern over the spiralling violence in Sudan. While the current, fragile ceasefire is welcome, the situation appears bleak for Sudan, and the wider region, and we fully echo the UK Government’s call for a genuine and lasting ceasefire.

The safety of British Nationals in Sudan is of significant concern to the Scottish Government and a number of Scots and family members have been in touch with the Scottish Government. We fully support the UK Government’s evacuation of all British passport holders and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to those in the Armed Forces and across the UK Government who are working on this.

The Scottish Government also wanted to put on record our deep concern for Sudanese people at risk in this crisis who will be looking for safe passage out of Sudan. In particular:

  • We would call for consideration by the UK Government of evacuating non-British nationals who have worked for UK interests in Sudan.
  • Secondly we would ask for eased eligibility criteria for family reunion to enable Sudanese citizens to be reunited with family members already in the UK.
  • We seek your assurance that the Home Office asylum caseworker guidance on Sudan has been updated. While I understand that each asylum application must be considered on its individual merits, asylum applications from Sudanese nationals in the UK should be considered quickly and compassionately. I also expect the Home Office to urgently review any cases which are in the asylum appeals process or where people have previously been refused asylum on the basis that any part of Sudan is safe.
  • And finally we would be grateful to know what the UK Government is doing, in partnership with the international community, to provide safe routes for people in Sudan in need of protection.

Within Sudan the humanitarian situation is now critical. Indeed, as the Minister of State for Development and Africa updated the House of Commons yesterday, approximately 16 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. This is deeply concerning, particularly given a global context where humanitarian needs are severe in a number of regions around the world.

The UK Government and the wider international community must do everything possible to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in need. Like you, I am shocked and saddened that 5 aid workers have been killed during the current violence in Sudan, and we condemn any and all attacks against humanitarian workers.

The situation in Sudan is incredibly grave. I urge the UK Government to do everything possible to work with international partners to address the humanitarian situation and to offer protection for those fleeing the violence.

I look forward to your response.

Angus Robertson

Nations unite to call for halt to Israel’s West Bank expansion

A joint statement with France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories:

France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, express their grave concern in the face of the continuing, growing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

We strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks that killed Israeli citizens. Terrorism can under no circumstance be justified.

We also strongly condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including destruction of homes and properties.

We are saddened by all loss of life. These acts can lead nowhere, except to more violence. Those responsible must face full accountability and legal prosecution. All unilateral actions that threaten peace and incitement to violence must cease.

There has been a spark of hope coming from the recent meeting in Aqaba, where Israelis and Palestinians both affirmed reciprocal commitments, including on efforts to de-escalate and work towards a just and lasting peace.

Such a result is a first in many years, and we thank the United States of America and Kingdom of Jordan for making it possible. We urge all parties to refrain from making this fragile process derail, and call on all parties to make good on the commitments they made in the Aqaba meeting by de-escalating in words and deeds and to restore calm, in order for those efforts to blossom and to make the next meeting in Egypt a success.

There can be no desirable outcome other than a just and lasting peace for all. In this regard, we also reiterate our strong opposition to all unilateral measures that undermine the Two-state solution, including expansion of settlements which are illegal under international law.

We urge the Israeli government to reverse its recent decision to advance the construction of more than 7,000 settlement building units across the occupied West Bank and to legalize settlement outposts.