Israel-Gaza war: hopes grow over ceasefire as US hails

A senior US official said a new proposal by Hamas could lead to a pact that would be a step to a permanent ceasefire

The Israeli president Isaac Herzog sent his congratulations to the newly elected UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and said he looked forward to working together to bringing home hostages taken by Hamas.

In a post on X, Herzog wrote:

I send my warmest congratulations to Keir Starmer. As he prepares to enter Downing street as prime minister, I look forward to working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom.

I also express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak, for his leadership and for standing with the Israeli people especially during this most difficult period.