British foreign minister James Cleverly said calls for a ceasefire in Gaza were understandable but the United Kingdom also recognised that Israel was acting for its own security, Reuters reports.

“Well, what we have said, is that calling for a ceasefire is understandable,” Cleverly said during a visit to Riyadh, where he met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

“But what we also recognise is that Israel is taking action to secure its own stability and its own security. Of course, we want to see this terrible situation resolved as quickly as possible,” he added.

“The immediate challenge is the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza,” he said.

“Well, calling for a ceasefire is the easy point. Actually, establishing peace is much more difficult, and we are committed to establishing peace and sustainable peace that sees Israel secure but also sees security for the Palestinians,” Cleverly said.