The UK government has distanced itself from Donald Trump’s suggestion Palestinians could be relocated and Gaza developed into a “Riviera of the Middle East”.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “We’ve always been clear in our belief that we must see two states. We must see Palestinians live and prosper in their homelands in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Speaking to Sky News’ Kay Burley, Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the UK’s position is that Palestinians “need to be able to return to their homes and then start to rebuild them”.
He added that a “lasting peace can only be based on a two-state solution” with a “secure Israel” and “a free and viable Palestinian state”.
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But he did not criticise Mr Trump for his remarks, saying that he would “not provide a running commentary on the pronouncements of the president”.
Asked if he was being disparaging, Mr Reed replied “not at all”, adding that Mr Trump should be given “credit for the role he played in securing the ceasefire in the first place”.
Mr Trump laid out his plans for the Middle East in a news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
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The US president called Gaza a “demolition site” and said the two million people who live there could go to “various domains”.
He did not rule out sending US troops to the region, and said the US would “develop” Gaza and create “thousands and thousands of jobs”.
Mr Trump suggested that Palestinians could be relocated to Egypt…
