Lammy urges ‘restraint’ after Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalates

“Further escalation in the Middle East must be avoided at all costs.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged Israel to show “restraint” after an exchange of fire with Lebanese militants Hezbollah on Sunday morning.

The Israeli military carried out a series of air strikes in southern Lebanon early on Sunday, saying it had intelligence Hezbollah was planning to carry out an attack of its own.

The Iran-backed militants subsequently launched drones at Israel, saying it was acting in response to the killing of one of its top commanders in an airstrike on Beirut last month.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Lammy said he had spoken to Israeli minister for strategic affairs Ron Dermer and “reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s security, the importance of restraint, the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages”.

He said: “Further escalation in the Middle East must be avoided at all costs.”

Since becoming Foreign Secretary in July, Mr Lammy has been heavily involved in Western diplomatic efforts to secure an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, paying a number of visits to the region.

Last week, he visited Israel alongside his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne, with the pair saying the “spiral of escalating reprisals must end”.

Published: 25/08/2024 by Radio NewsHub