UK working to de-escalate and end cycle of violence in Middle East: UK statement at the UN Security Council

President, I thank USG DiCarlo and High Commissioner Türk for their briefing today. This past year has seen continuous and devastating violence across the region. Civilians have suffered on a dreadful scale on both sides of the Blue Line.

The explosions in Lebanon this week and Israel's strike in southern Beirut today are the latest in a deadly cycle of violence, and we are deeply concerned by civilian casualties resulting from those incidents. That children were among them is particularly distressing. Our condolences go to the families of the civilians killed.

My Foreign Secretary made our view clear last night: we need an immediate ceasefire on both sides. We are working in lockstep with our allies to de-escalate tensions and end this destructive cycle.

We want to see the implementation of a political plan, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which allows both Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes and live in peace and security. We are ready to play our role in a diplomatic process to achieve that.

President, let us be clear: Hizballah launched an unprovoked attack on Israel on 8 October 2023. Since then, Israel has faced a near-daily barrage of Hizballah rockets.

We are resolute in our support for Israel's right to defend its citizens against such threats. However, in doing so, international humanitarian law must be fully respected, and all possible steps taken to avoid civilian casualties.

Lebanese Hizballah's aggression has been fuelled by Iran and its continued destabilisation of the Middle East, including through its support to partners and proxies. Iran supplies advanced weaponry in contravention of multiple Security Council Resolutions, only prolonging the suffering of the Lebanese people.

While Hizballah and Iran continue to undermine Lebanon's future, the UK is providing practical support to bolster its stability and security.

This includes funding and training to both the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, as well as humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities, including in the south of Lebanon.

President, now is the time for calm heads and an urgent focus on an immediate ceasefire to create the space for negotiations.