British premier warns all parties in Middle East to 'step back from brink'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday urged all parties involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict to "step back from the brink" as tensions continue to escalate.

Addressing the House of Commons against the backdrop of Iran’s missile strike on Israel, Starmer emphasized the need for restraint and diplomacy to avoid further civilian suffering.

The prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s support for "Israel’s right to self-defense" following Iran's firing of 180 missiles at Israel.

"This was not a defensive action by Iran; it was an act of aggression," Starmer said.

Despite backing Israel’s right to defend itself, Starmer made it clear that the UK would not participate in any retaliatory strikes against Iran.

"The region cannot endure another year of this," he stressed, calling for de-escalation on all sides and highlighting the devastating impact on civilians.

He warned of the dire humanitarian situation facing Palestinians, noting that over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, with millions displaced and enduring horrific conditions.

"The toll on civilians, on all sides, has been immense. It is a living nightmare, and it must end," Starmer said, acknowledging the deep divisions in the House over the UK's role in the crisis.

Although he admitted that the prospects of a cease-fire or a two-state solution were remote, he underscored the importance of persistent diplomatic efforts, urging the UK to work in concert with international partners.

While rejecting calls for a total ban on UK arms exports to Israel, Starmer took a firm stance on the Israeli government’s restrictions on aid to Gaza.

"There are ongoing restrictions in aid that are impossible to justify. Israel must open more crossings," he said.

He further called on Israel to provide safe havens for aid workers, pointing to the deaths of three British citizens among the casualties.

"Crucially, they must provide a safe haven for aid workers. Too many have been killed, including three British citizens. Israel must act now so that, together with our allies, we can surge humanitarian support ahead of the winter," he said.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 42,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 97,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.