UK foreign minister calls for de-escalation in Middle East

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - UK's Foreign Minister David Lammy on Monday expressed his concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East in a phone conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

The call came in the wake of heightened tensions in the region following Saturday’s missile strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

During the call, Lammy emphasized the importance of reducing hostilities in the region and lauded the Lebanese government’s recent statement advocating for the cessation of all violence.

"We both agreed that the widening of conflict in the region is in nobody’s interest," he said, highlighting the mutual understanding between the UK and Lebanon on the necessity of maintaining stability.

Tension has escalated between Hezbollah and Israel following a missile attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday.

While Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack, which killed 12 people and injured 40 others, the Lebanese group has denied any responsibility.

According to Israel’s Army Radio, the military formulated scenarios for a potential attack on Hezbollah and placed them on the table for political-level discussions to assess the situation.

Discussions took up the possibility of “undertaking more severe military action” in Lebanon, the broadcaster said.

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Hezbollah would "pay a heavy price" for the attack.