The UK prime minister spoke to the United Nations General Assembly and called for Israel and Hezbollah to “step back from the brink”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier said news of a potential ceasefire deal were “not true”.
Sir Keir Starmer has called for Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire, saying “escalation serves no one”.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, the prime minister implored the two sides to “step back from the brink”.
It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation’s troops would keep “fighting at full force” and that news of a potential ceasefire deal was “not true”.
Addressing the nations of the world in New York, Sir Keir said: “I call on Israel and Hezbollah: Stop the violence, step back from the brink.”
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The UK prime minister added: “We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement, and we are working with all partners to that end.
“Because further escalation serves no one.”
In his speech, Sir Keir said the UN needs to “work together for peace, progress and equality” – including “preventing a regional war in the Middle East”.
More criticism of Russia
Earlier in his trip to the UN, Sir Keir criticised Russia for invading Ukraine in a meeting of the security council.
Both the UK and Russia are permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Addressing the general assembly, Sir Keir hinted at wanting to take further action against Russia for its invasion.
He said: “We must put new energy and creativity, into conflict resolution and conflict prevention, reverse the trend towards ever-greater violence, make the institutions of peace fit for purpose, and hold members to their commitments under the UN Charter.”
Addressing the security council previously, Sir Keir said: “The greatest violation of the charter in a generation has been committed by one of this council’s permanent members.”
