David Lammy warns of rising risk of full-scale regional war in Middle East
The UK foreign secretary and his French counterpart write in the Observer about their fears over Israel’s escalating tensions with Iran• It’s never too late for peace in the Middle East – we must break the cycle of violenceThere is a rising risk of “full-scale regional war” in the Middle East, the foreign secretary, David Lammy, has warned, amid frantic international efforts to calm tensions with Iran and reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.With the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, flying into Israel this weekend to push for a deal, Lammy has joined forces with his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, to warn that now is a “perilous moment” for the region in the midst of widespread fears of escalation involving Tehran and allied militias in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Continue reading...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/17/david-lammy-warns-of-rising-risk-of-full-scale-regional-war-in-middle-east
The rising risk of a full-scale regional war in the Middle East is alarming. The joint efforts of British and French foreign ministers to avert this perilous situation are commendable. The destructive cycle of violence, involving multiple countries and armed groups, must be stopped to prevent further escalation and civilian suffering. Urgent diplomacy is crucial to secure a ceasefire and ensure the release of hostages in Gaza. The international community, led by the US and regional powers, must continue their efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. Only through cooperation and restraint can the region achieve long-term stability and security for all.