Cameron phone calls Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

UK Prime Minister David Cameron called Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the latest ceasefire in Israel and Gaza and prospects for a longer term solution to the conflict.

Cameron reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself and said he hoped that discussions in Egypt would result in a permanent ceasefire.

The PM emphasized that both sides would need to take the necessary but sometimes difficult steps to achieve that goal, and that a genuine peace deal was the only way to allow Palestinians and Israelis to live alongside one another, free from terror.

Separately, Cameron spoke to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the situation in Iraq and Gaza.

On Iraq, they agreed on the need for a smooth transition in Baghdad and the swift formation of a unity government under Prime Minister designate, Haider Al-Abadi. Furthermore, they agreed on the importance of a new inclusive Iraqi government which could unite all Iraqis against ISIS and command the confidence and support of the international community.

On the humanitarian suffering, both leaders agreed on the need for international efforts to move quickly and to be well coordinated. On Gaza, they agreed on the urgent need for the current ceasefire to lead to a lasting peace deal, ending the bloodshed for both Palestinians and Israelis.