David Lammy urges restraint in Lebanon, warning against further regional escalation
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has called on Middle Eastern leaders to take care and avoid any “miscalculations” that could lead to a larger conflict, as he travelled to Lebanon to meet key political figures. Lammy was accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey in a diplomatic mission to reduce tensions that have risen following recent events in the region.
During the trip, the two ministers met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Foreign Minister Bou Habib. Their talks came shortly after the UK Foreign Office issued a warning for British nationals to leave Lebanon, advising them of the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict. Lammy’s caution highlighted the risk of becoming trapped as tensions in the region continue to grow.
The visit also included a stop in Qatar, where Lammy and Healey urged for an end to the violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Fears of the conflict spreading were amplified following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran, an attack that Hamas blamed on Israel.
The situation was further complicated by Israel’s recent airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, following an attack by Hezbollah forces on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that killed several children. These developments have sparked concerns that the conflict could spill over into neighbouring countries, especially given Iran’s support for both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Lammy took to X (formerly Twitter), urging all parties involved to prioritise peace, writing: “We must prevent further escalation in the Middle East and avoid miscalculation.” He added that it was crucial to avoid any actions that could draw more countries into the conflict.
In line with these calls, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also emphasised the importance of avoiding actions that could further destabilise the already fragile region. The diplomatic efforts continue, as leaders hope to prevent the violence from spreading further.
