The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, says the annexation of large areas of the Palestinian Territories by Israel would be illegal and “damaging to efforts to restart peace negotiations”. In a letter to MP Crispin Blunt, Mr Johnson said a “lasting resolution that ends the occupation” and helped to deliver a peaceful solution was “long overdue”. He said UK support for a “safe and secure Israel” alongside “a viable and sovereign Palestinian state” based on the borders of 1967 had not changed. Jerusalem should be the shared capital of both states and there must be a “realistic” settlement for refugees, Mr Johnson said. Israel has moved ahead with plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank after the formation of a new unity government and the unveiling of US President Donald Trump's pro-Israel peace plan this year. There are fears that the actions could spark a new wave of conflict. The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, said this week that “any unilateral Israeli move will be a serious setback for the peace process”. Mr Johnson said he repeated his opposition to the annexation in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February. “We will continue to press Israel and the Palestinians strongly on the need to refrain from taking actions which make peace more difficult,” he wrote to Mr Blunt. “During this fragile period, we also call on both parties to avoid any provocative action that might undermine the co-operation that is so critical in responding to Covid-19.”
