British, Egyptian leaders express deep concern over potential Middle East escalation

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the situation in the Middle East in a phone call Thursday, expressing deep concern over the potential for further escalation in the region.

The two leaders stressed the importance of restraint, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

"The prime minister reiterated the urgent need for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the return of hostages and more humanitarian aid to be delivered across Gaza," it noted.

Starmer also underscored Britain's commitment to a two-state solution through a peace process.

Fears have grown of a full-blown war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group amid a months-long exchange of cross-border fire.

The escalation comes against the backdrop of an Israeli onslaught on Gaza which has killed nearly 40,000 people since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.