Defence Secretary visited Israel today to push
for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle
East, following joint Foreign Secretary
and Defence Secretary visits to the region this week.
The meeting in Tel Aviv with Israeli Defence Minister Gallant
follows a call that had with the Palestinian
Authority earlier this week.
The UK is pushing for an end to fighting, and the Defence
Secretary spoke in Tel Aviv on the need for an immediate
ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and to get more
aid to Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of a path to
a two-state solution.
The visit comes less than a month into the new government, and
follows the Foreign and Defence Secretaries first joint visit
this week, meeting leaders in the Qatar and Lebanon to encourage
de-escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions.
Foreign Secretary said:
This is a critical moment, there's no doubt about it.
In Lebanon, I had discussions with counterparts on the urgent
need for de-escalation. It is in no one's interest for this
conflict to spread across the region.
The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate
rapidly is rising. My message to British nationals in Lebanon is
clear – you should leave while commercial flights are running.
We also need to see an immediate ceasefire, hostages released and
aid getting in in sufficient quantity to alleviate the suffering
in Gaza.
Defence Secretary said:
De-escalation must be the first focus in the Middle East.
Meeting with senior leaders across the region, including today in
Israel, we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the
tension at this critical moment.
Our government is determined to lead a renewed push for peace.
The loss of life we have seen in the region is unbearable
and thousands remain in the crossfire.
To set this region on the path to peace, all sides must step back
from conflict and step-up diplomacy.
In Lebanon on Thursday, and saw the work being done by
British Embassy Beirut to deliver consular support to British
nationals in Lebanon. British nationals should not travel to
Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon
while commercial flights are still available. The risks in the
region are rising and the situation could deteriorate.
Consular teams are working to be prepared for all scenarios but
if the conflict escalates, the government cannot guarantee
evacuation immediately.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has
launched Register
Your Presence in Lebanon so we can communicate any
important updates directly to British nationals in the country.
The FCDO continues
to advise against all travel to Lebanon. British nationals in
Lebanon are advised to register their presence and follow travel
advice for updates.
