British officials renew calls for ceasefire in Gaza and de-escalation in the region following Israeli strikes that killed militant leaders in Lebanon and Iran. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office urged for an immediate ceasefire after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Minister John Secretary traveled to Qatar to help drive efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and call for de-escalation in the wider region.
Ceasefire talks for Gaza, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, have been stalled following the assassinations and are unlikely to resume soon. Lammy emphasized the importance of working closely with partners like Qatar to mediate the conflict and bring the devastating war to an end. Western countries are also working to end the violence between Hezbollah and the Israeli military in Lebanon, the worst since 2006.
With tensions escalating in the region, diplomatic efforts are crucial to prevent further bloodshed and achieve a lasting peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East.