The new foreign secretary has called for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in the Israel-Hamas war in his first official trip to the Middle East.

Earlier this morning, David Lammy met with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog at the President’s residence in Jerusalem.

Lammy, who was wearing a yellow ribbon – a symbol of the call to bring hostages held in Gaza by Hamas home – told President Herzog “We see a hostage deal emerge in the coming days, and I am using all diplomatic efforts. Indeed, last week with the G7 nations, and particularly with Secretary of State Blinken pressing for that hostage deal.”

Israel’s President said: “The bonds between the British and Israeli peoples are as strong and robust as they are historic and impactful - especially now, in facing the challenges ahead of us; in returning the hostages barbarically held captive in Gaza, and in the fight against the evil empire led by Iran, which seeks to destabilise global stability.”

Herzog also introduced the new Foreign Secretary to the family of Tamir Adar, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz who was murdered on October 7 and his body was taken into Gaza. His 85-year-old grandmother Yaffa was also taken hostage but released as part of the previous negotiated release of hostages in November.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (left), British Foreign Secretary David Lammy (second left) with the family of Tamir Adar. Credit: Haim Zach/GPO

Yesterday, Lammy met with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa.

The Foreign Secretary posted on Twitter, “Our message is clear: we need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, unfettered access to aid in Gaza, and a pathway towards a two-state solution.”

Lammy’s visit to Israel comes in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of Mohamed Deif, the second most senior Hamas military figure in Gaza.

On Saturday night, Prime Minister Netanyahu wouldn’t confirm whether the senior Hamas leader had been killed. “The State of Israel … using the IDF and Shin Bet, attacked in Gaza in an attempt to assassinate Mohamed Deif and his deputy, Rafa’a Salameh. There is still no absolute certainty that the two were killed; either way, we will get to the entire Hamas leadership. This opportunity and others to act against the terrorists became possible because we rejected the many pressures, from within and from without, to end the war before achieving all the objectives.”

Hamas has since confirmed that Salameh was killed in the attack but have denied Deif suffered the same fate. Israeli military sources have told the media they think it is highly likely Deif was killed.

Labour Friends of Israel’s Director Michael Rubin told the JC: “It’s a welcome and important sign that the foreign secretary has visited Israel so early on in office. The new government has a real opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship, support a ceasefire deal that brings the hostages home, and work towards a political process ultimately leading to lasting peace and security through a negotiated two-state solution.”