U.S. and U.K. Consultations; Biden and Sunak Discuss Middle East and Ukraine

On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the crisis in the Red Sea, the Gaza conflict, and the war in Ukraine. According to Reuters, John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House, told reporters that the leaders discussed the situation in the Red Sea and the need for a continued multilateral international approach to disrupt and weaken the capabilities of the Houthis. Kirby added that Biden and Sunak talked about the need to reduce civilian casualties and increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the urgent need for supplemental financial aid and support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. The British Prime Minister's spokesperson stated that the leaders agreed that a two-state solution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security is more important than ever, adding that hearing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state was 'disheartening.' While the U.K. has supported Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas and called for a 'sustainable ceasefire' based on the release of hostages by Hamas, Sunak's government also urged Israel to respect humanitarian laws and to pause fighting in Gaza to allow more aid to reach the besieged region. Netanyahu stated in a press conference in Tel Aviv on Thursday that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any post-war scenario and will continue the war until Hamas is completely destroyed. In another part of his media interview, he noted, 'I have told the United States that I oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any post-war scenario, and I cannot keep the deep disagreements with our allies on this issue hidden.' In response to these remarks, John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Advisor, stated that Gaza should not be reoccupied after the war and that the U.S. remains committed to a two-state solution. A knowledgeable source from the Biden-Netanyahu phone conversation indicated that the Israeli Prime Minister does not reject the two-state solution. Biden and Netanyahu's phone call; John Kirby: The U.S. is still opposed to establishing a general ceasefire. The U.K. travel advisory to its citizens: There is a possibility of 'further missile and drone attacks' in Sistan and Baluchestan.