British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all parties to show 'caution' regarding the border between Israel and Lebanon during his inaugural phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since taking office. A spokesperson from Starmer's office at 10 Downing Street stated that the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the situation on Israel's northern border and emphasized the importance of cautious actions by all involved.
On Sunday, Lebanon's Hezbollah group launched another barrage of 20 rockets into northern Israel, injuring one person, as part of ongoing cross-border attacks in support of Gaza's Palestinian militant group Hamas. Hezbollah has engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with the Israeli army along the southern Lebanese border since Hamas's attack on Israel last year, which escalated into the Gaza conflict.
In addressing the ongoing conflict, Starmer conveyed his condolences for the significant loss of life resulting from the October 7 attacks and highlighted the immediate need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid to civilians. During his discussion with Netanyahu, Starmer also stressed the importance of establishing long-term conditions conducive to a two-state solution, including ensuring that the Palestinian Authority has adequate financial resources to function effectively.
Efforts to achieve a ceasefire continue, with mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt working to end the devastating Gaza war, which has led to widespread civilian casualties and extensive damage to the coastal territory. The spokesperson also mentioned that Starmer had a phone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, during which he reiterated his unchanged policy on recognition aimed at contributing to the peace process and affirmed the Palestinians' undeniable rights.
The October 7 attack on southern Israel claimed the lives of 1,195 people, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. The militants also captured 251 hostages, of whom 116 remain in Gaza, including 42 reported dead by the military. In response, Israel's military operations have resulted in at least 38,153 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.
