UK urges de-escalation in Middle East, warns against regional war

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned Sunday that an expanded regional war in the Middle East “would be catastrophic and is in no one’s interests.”

In a statement posted on X, Lammy stressed the UK's dedication to urging a reduction in tensions and a resolution to the ongoing conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon.

“The UK continues to press for de-escalation and an end to the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza,” said Lammy following discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The Israeli army has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since a Hamas attack last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 43,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 100,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

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

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