Shapps 'disappointed' by Netanyahu opposition to Palestinian state

Creating two separate states is the only solution to ending the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the defence secretary has said.

Grant Shapps said it was "disappointing" that Israel's prime minister has rejected the idea.

Benjamin Netanyahu's position was not "a surprise", he told the BBC.

But Mr Shapps said Palestinians "deserved" a sovereign state, adding "I really don't see that there is another solution".

Following a call with US President Joe Biden on Saturday, Mr Netanyahu's office released a statement saying he had "reiterated his policy that after Hamas is destroyed Israel must retain security control over Gaza to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty".

Mr Shapps said the comments were "very disappointing".

"It's not in some senses a surprise - he's spent his entire political career against a two-state solution. But the point is, which other route is there to seriously resolve this?" he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg's programme.

"Palestinians deserve a sovereign state, Israel deserves to have the full ability to defend itself, its own security.

"Unless you pursue a two-state solution, I really don't see that there is another solution."

Mr Netanyahu's remarks also appeared to deepen a public divide with the US.

Speaking to reporters after the call between the two leaders, Mr Biden insisted a two-state solution was still possible with Mr Netanyahu in office.

"There are a number of types of two-state solutions. There's a number of countries that are members of the UN that... don't have their own militaries," he said.

Hamas killed about 1,300 people and took 240 hostages in its surprise attack on southern Israel on 7 October.

In response, Israel launched airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 21,000 people have been killed in the territory since the start of the conflict.