BIRMINGHAM, England

Hours ahead of his talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks on Qatar’s capital, Doha, while still defending his decision to go ahead with the meeting.

Addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday, Starmer joined the global condemnation of Israel for its missile strikes on the Hamas negotiating team in Doha.

"I condemn the strikes that Israel carried out in Doha yesterday. They violate Qatar's sovereignty. They do nothing to secure the peace that the UK and so many of our allies are committed to.”

Starmer said he spoke to the Qatari emir on Tuesday night, soon after the attack, to convey Britain’s “support and solidarity.”

“He was crystal clear that, notwithstanding the attacks, he will continue to work on a diplomatic solution to achieve a ceasefire and a two-state outcome."

Highlighting his meeting with Palestinian Authority President Abbas on Monday, and his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog shortly after addressing the lawmakers, Starmer called on Israel to take actions for peace.

"I will be absolutely clear that we condemn Israel's action. I will also be clear that restrictions on aid must be lifted. The offensive in Gaza must stop and settlement building must cease. But, Mr. Speaker, however difficult, the UK will not walk away from a diplomatic solution."

Stephen Flynn, the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) Westminster leader, asked Starmer about his decision to host the Israeli president. Referencing Herzog, Flynn said: "The man who called for the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, and to send the artillery shells that destroyed their homes, their families and their friends. A man who will ignore every word the prime minister says.”

In response, Starmer repeated his call for peace and added: “I will not give up on diplomacy.”