Raab welcomes Trump’s peace plan calling for ‘genuine and fair’ consideration

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has welcomed Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan urging both sides in the conflict to give it “genuine and fair” consideration.

The US president unveiled his long-awaited proposals alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, insisting they offered a “win-win” opportunity for both Israel and the Palestinians.

However they were immediately rejected by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who dismissed the proposal as a “conspiracy”.

In a statement, Mr Raab said: “This is clearly a serious proposal, reflecting extensive time and effort.

“A peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians that leads to peaceful coexistence could unlock the potential of the entire region, and provide both sides with the opportunity for a brighter future.

“Only the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian territories can determine whether these proposals can meet the needs and aspirations of the people they represent.

“We encourage them to give these plans genuine and fair consideration, and explore whether they might prove a first step on the road back to negotiations.”

Under the plan, a Palestinian state would be created in parts of the West Bank, but Israel would be allowed to annex nearly all of its settlements in the occupied territory.

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A Palestinian capital would be established on the outskirts of east Jerusalem but most of the city would remain under Israeli control.

The Palestinians have accused Mr Trump of favouring Israel, insisting they would never give up their claim to Jerusalem.

Following calls for mass protests in the West Bank, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice to Britons travelling to Israel, urging then to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the move, saying on Twitter: “Donald Trump’s Middle East deal is not a peace plan. It is a plan to lock in illegal Israeli colonisation and deny Palestinian rights. It is a threat to peace. The UK government should oppose this travesty and press for a real peace deal and a genuine two state solution.”