LONDON: The UK government renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah during the Lebanon Support Conference held in Paris on Thursday.
Minister for the Middle East Hamish Nicholas Falconer delivered the UK’s position as the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon continues to worsen.
“The situation in Lebanon is worsening daily, and civilian casualties are mounting,” Falconer said, highlighting the importance of swift action.
“The risks of further escalation cannot be overstated. We cannot let Lebanon become another Gaza.”
Falconer reaffirmed the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, citing Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel as the origin of the conflict.
“Let us not forget that this conflict started when Hezbollah launched rockets at northern Israel, forcing the Israelis to flee their homes,” he added.
The minister also called on Iran to halt its involvement in the region, urging Tehran to “immediately halt those attacks, and stand down its proxies.”
The UK pledged £15 million ($19.4 million) to support Lebanon’s humanitarian needs, including food, medicine and clean water, with an additional £10 million to match public donations made through the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region.
“We are working with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the sole legitimate defender of that state, to support security and stability,” Falconer said. He was accompanied by Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, a senior UK military officer leading efforts to support Lebanon’s defense forces. Smyth added that British forces stand “ready to do more.”
The UK government also called for the protection of aid workers, particularly those working with the UN, and condemned threats to the safety of UN peacekeepers in the region.
“The aid workers striving to alleviate suffering in Lebanon must be able to carry out their duties in safety — including UN workers, who have a vital role to play in resolving armed conflict and mitigating its impact,” Falconer said.
He also reiterated the UK’s stance on a political resolution to the conflict, calling for a solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to secure long-term peace on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.
“A political solution (consistent with 1701) is the only answer — and the only way to secure a stable future for those on both sides of the Blue Line,” he said.
