Sir Keir Starmer has urged Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire, stating that “escalation serves no one.” Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the UK prime minister called on both sides to step back from the escalating conflict and seek peaceful resolution.
His plea comes as tensions continue to rise in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently declared that Israeli forces would continue “fighting at full force,” dismissing rumors of a ceasefire deal as false. The conflict has shown no signs of de-escalating, prompting global leaders to push for a diplomatic solution.
In his address, Sir Keir made a direct appeal to both Israel and Hezbollah, urging them to “stop the violence” and avoid further escalation. His call for peace was framed within the broader goal of preventing the conflict from spiraling into a wider regional war, which many fear could happen if tensions are not reduced.
The UK prime minister emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire, arguing that it would create the necessary conditions for diplomatic talks. “We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement,” he said, underscoring that further violence would benefit no one involved in the conflict.
Sir Keir’s remarks were part of a wider speech at the UN, where he addressed global leaders about the importance of working together to achieve peace, progress, and equality. He stressed that preventing a regional war in the Middle East must be a priority for the international community.
The ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have raised alarm among world leaders. Tanks have been gathering near the Israeli-Lebanese border, and cross-border attacks have continued, leading to fears of a broader conflict in the region. Sir Keir’s call for de-escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence intensify.
Earlier in his UN visit, Sir Keir also turned his attention to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, addressing the UN Security Council. In a strong rebuke, he criticized Russia for its violation of international law and the UN Charter, highlighting the gravity of the ongoing war in Europe.
During the Security Council meeting, Sir Keir hinted at the need for further action against Russia, urging world leaders to revitalize efforts in conflict resolution and prevention. He emphasized the importance of holding nations accountable for their actions under the UN Charter.
Calling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “the greatest violation of the charter in a generation,” Sir Keir criticized one of the UN’s permanent members for its role in destabilizing global peace. He stressed the need for more creative and energetic approaches to resolving conflicts and preventing violence.
In addition to his international remarks, Sir Keir also addressed domestic issues during his speech. He reiterated many of his previous commitments to the UK, but also made a new pledge regarding pension and insurance funds. The prime minister announced plans to invest billions from these funds into fighting climate change and supporting development.
This initiative will be managed through a new facility at British International Investment, a branch of the Foreign Office, working closely with the City of London. Sir Keir emphasized that innovation and faster action are essential to delivering the benefits needed for the future.
In a final note, it was confirmed that Sir Keir would meet former US President Donald Trump during his trip, ahead of the upcoming US election in November. However, it appeared unlikely that he would have the opportunity to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris during this visit.