Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has reiterated the UK supports a two-state solution to deliver a “more positive future for Israelis and Palestinians” during his visit to the Middle East.

Mr Raab has been meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, saying the UK is committed to “working with regional leaders”.

It comes as part of a one-day visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, as Mr Raab holds a series of talks to discuss efforts for peace and the UK’s role in the region.

Discussed the flourishing UK 🇬🇧 & Israel 🇮🇱 relationship, the importance of a durable ceasefire in Gaza & the need to fight anti-Semitism with @netanyahu. The UK is committed to working with regional leaders to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict & forge lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/SEyHfvJ8SQ

The Israel-Gaza ceasefire was declared last Friday after 11 days of fighting killed more than 250 people, the vast majority in Gaza, and caused widespread destruction in the impoverished territory.

It was the worst violence between the Israeli military and Hamas militants since 2014.

Mr Raab said he “discussed the flourishing relationship” between the UK and Israel with Mr Netanyahu – and after a meeting with the Israeli foreign minister, Gabi Ashkenazi, he tweeted: “Vital we make progress towards a more positive future for Israelis and Palestinians.”

In a further update on Twitter and following talks with Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz, Mr Raab said “the UK is committed to supporting a durable ceasefire in Israel and Gaza and to working together to forge a lasting peace”.

Mr Raab has also been holding talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riad Malki.

It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged during his Middle East mission that Washington would provide extra aid as part of efforts to support a ceasefire.

Mr Blinken has arrived in Egypt in the latest leg of his visit to the region, a day after holding talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders as part of a bid to “rally international support” to rebuild Gaza.

He has described Egypt and Jordan as central players in trying to bring calm to the region.

Both countries are key US allies that have peace agreements with Israel and frequently serve as mediators between Israel and the Palestinians.

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