British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed the UK will be “at the forefront of efforts to break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East”.
Starmer calls this ceasefire agreement “long overdue” and hopes it will be turned into a “lasting political solution in Lebanon”.
He says the ceasefire will be “some measure of relief” to civilians in Lebanon and Israel’s north, who have “suffered unimaginable consequences” during the months of conflict.
“Now, this deal must be turned into a lasting political solution in Lebanon, based on Security Council Resolution 1701, that will allow civilians to return permanently to their homes and for communities on both sides of the border to rebuild,” he says.
He adds that there must be “immediate progress towards a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the release of all hostages and the removal of restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid”.