May told Netanyahu she recognised Israel's right to self-defence but urged him to take action over the killings in Gaza which shocked the world.
She said: “With over 100 Palestinian lives lost and a deteriorating situation in Gaza, I hope we can talk about how we can alleviate that situation and how we can ensure that we can get back to a position where we are able to find a way through to talk about a two-state solution."
Despite the killing of over 120 Palestinians, all of them unarmed, in recent weeks, by the Israeli military, Netanyahu claimed: "We are doing everything we can to both minimise casualties and at the same time protect Israeli lives."
The two leaders, who met for talks in Downing Street, were also at odds over the Iran nuclear deal with Theresa May confirming UK's commitment to the agreement which Israel opposes.
Netanyahu has lobbied for European leaders to follow Donald Trump's example and pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
However, prime minister May stressed: "Along with France and Germany the UK continues to believe that is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations."
