PM requires finish to ‘devastating cycle of violence’ in Lebanon ceasefire push

Keir Starmer tonight called for an end to the “devastating cycle of violence” in the Middle East as the UK backed a high-stakes push for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

In his first address to the UN General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister said Israel and Hezbollah must “step back from the brink” to prevent all-out war. The UK joined allies including the US and the EU to demand a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to give space to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

A joint statement said: “The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”

But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his military would continue to strike Hezbollah with “full force” as he touched down in New York.

The UK has been part of intense diplomatic efforts to stem the conflict as Mr Starmer made his first visit to the UN as Prime Minister. In a direct address to Israel and Hezbollah, Mr Starmer said: “Stop the violence. Step back from the brink.

“We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement and we are working with all partners to that end. Because further escalation serves no one.

“It offers nothing but more suffering for innocent people on all sides and the prospect of a wider war that no one can control. And with consequences that none of us can foresee.”

The PM called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, adding: “It shames us all that the suffering in Gaza continues to grow.” He went on: “The answer is diplomacy. The release of all the hostages.

“And the unfettered flow of aid to those in need. That is the only way to break this devastating cycle of violence.”

It comes as the Israel Defence Forces said the head of one of Hezbollah’s air units was killed in a strike on a southern suburb in Beirut. In a post published on X, the IDF said “fighter jets attacked Beirut and killed Mohammad Hussein Surur”.

The IDF said Surur had joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and “directed and commanded” many drone attacks aimed at Israel. It has been 24 years since the Israeli army left southern Lebanon, ending 22 years of occupation.

But Israel’s top general, Herzi Halevi, is telling his troops to be ready to “enter enemy territory”. Israel said it hit 75 Hezbollah targets overnight, in the Bekaa region close to Syria.

The IDF reported that following sirens in northern Israel, about 45 rocket launches were detected from Lebanon. Almost all were intercepted.

In Lebanon 23 people were killed in the town of Younine. The local mayor, Mayor Ali Qusas said they were mostly women and children, who were in an apartment block.

Areas around the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona have been hit by rockets launched by Hezbollah Around 10 rockets were fired into the area but some were intercepted.

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon while there are still commercial flights, with around 4,000 to 6,000 Brits believed to be still in the country. The Prime Minister has urged people to leave immediately and the UK has deployed 700 troops to nearby Cyprus to assist with evacuation if necessary.

Downing Street said the UK stands ready to ramp up contingency plans to get Brits out if the situation deteriorates.

Mr Starmer told journalists this week: “Yes, we are ramping up the contingency plans, I think that you would expect that in light of the escalation. But it is important that we be really, really clear: now is the time to leave.”