Palestinian leader Abbas arrives for meeting with UK PM

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas Monday in London, as the UK government edges towards recognizing a Palestinian state. The leaders discussed "the need for an urgent solution to end the horrific suffering and famine" in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, a spokesperson for Starmer's Downing Street office said in a statement.

Abbas welcomed the UK's "pledge to recognising a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting later this month, unless Israel changes its course", the spokesperson added. Several countries including Britain and France have announced they intend to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month.