Iran must cease these attacks. Alongside proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has posed a threat to the Middle East for too long, bringing chaos and destruction not only to Israel but also to the people in Lebanon and beyond.
“Let there be no doubt, Britain unequivocally stands against such violence. We support Israel’s legitimate demand for its people’s security,” the prime minister stressed.
Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire along the Lebanon border almost daily since October 8, following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in Israeli casualties and hostages. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas in Gaza.
British Nationals in Lebanon
During a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Starmer emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza. He urged British nationals in Lebanon to evacuate immediately, with the government providing assistance for their safe departure.
British citizens have been advised to register their presence in Lebanon with the
Foreign Office and book flights out of the country at the earliest.
Preparations have been made for the potential evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon, with British troops deployed to Cyprus alongside RAF and Royal Navy assets.
Healey met with the Cypriot Minister of Defense Vasilis Palmas to discuss the crisis unfolding in the region.
Israel has issued warnings to evacuate 24 villages in southern Lebanon as part of its military campaign against Hezbollah.
These villages are located in a U.N.-declared buffer zone established after the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Ceasefire Calls
The U.N. has called for an emergency meeting to address the escalating conflict, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an immediate ceasefire to prevent a full-scale war in Lebanon.
“I condemn the escalation of the Middle East conflict. This must cease. We urgently need a ceasefire,” Guterres
stated.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for de-escalation and highlighted the importance of diplomatic solutions in the region. He also cautioned Iran against actions that could escalate tensions further.
“A cycle of escalation is detrimental to everyone,” he observed.
The recent events coincided with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Acknowledging the occasion in a post, Starmer expressed:
“Rosh Hashanah is a joyful time. However, this year, it carries a sense of sorrow as we remember the tragic events of October 7 and the recent escalations in the Middle East.
“As we honor the memory of those who lost their lives, my government is committed to bringing back the hostages.”
PA Media contributed to this report.
