UK’s Starmer Calls for ‘Caution’ on Israel-Lebanon Border

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged all parties to exercise “caution” on the Israel-Lebanon border during his first phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since his election.

Starmer expressed deep concern over the situation on Israel’s northern border and emphasized the importance of caution from all sides, according to a statement from his 10 Downing Street office.

Hezbollah launched another 20 rockets into northern Israel on Sunday, injuring one person, as part of ongoing cross-border attacks in support of Gaza’s militant group Hamas. The clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been a daily occurrence since Hamas attacked Israel last year, sparking the Gaza conflict.

During the discussion, Starmer conveyed his condolences for the lives lost in the October 7 attacks and stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and an immediate increase in humanitarian aid to civilians.

Starmer also emphasized the importance of creating long-term conditions for a two-state solution, including ensuring the Palestinian Authority has the necessary financial resources to operate effectively.

Efforts to broker a truce are ongoing, with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators working to halt the conflict that has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza.

The prime minister also spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, reaffirming that his policy on recognition to support the peace process remains unchanged and asserting the undeniable rights of Palestinians.

The October 7 attack on southern Israel allegedly killed 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. The militants also took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 42 whom the Israeli military believes are dead. Israel’s military offensive in response has resulted in at least 38,153 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.