The UK government is advising Israel to exercise restraint as the conflict in Gaza approaches its first anniversary. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that the Middle East war could ignite tensions within British communities, stating that 'sparks' from the conflict could 'light touchpapers in our communities at home'.
Israeli airstrikes on Saturday night shook Beirut, targeting Hezbollah strongholds, while Gaza's civil defence agency reported 24 deaths in an airstrike on a mosque in central Gaza. Some 101 Israeli hostages taken on 7 October 2023 remain unaccounted for.
Cabinet minister Peter Kyle said the UK 'cannot instruct Israel, as a sovereign state', but noted that allies including the US, France and Germany unanimously advise restraint. He emphasised that a ceasefire is needed to create space for a political solution, as the war 'is not moving towards the peace that we need'.
In a Sunday Times article, Prime Minister Starmer condemned the 'vile hatred' directed at Jews and Muslims since the attacks, urging all parties to return to political solutions. The Foreign Office confirmed more than 250 people have left Lebanon on three chartered flights, with no further scheduled flights but the situation under review.
Shadow foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell stressed the need for de-escalation and negotiation, while independent MP Zarah Sultana argued UK involvement in an attack on Iran could not be justified, citing public opposition to arms sales to Israel. Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind called for leadership willing to engage in political dialogue.
