Lamy wrote on his account on the “X” platform: “Today I held important phone conversations with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi.”
He added: “The United Kingdom continues to press to stop the escalation and end the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza,” noting that “a regional war would be a disaster, and it is not in anyone’s interest.”
The devastating Israeli war, supported by America, has been continuing on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. The Israeli attacks on the Strip have, so far, resulted in about 43,000 dead and 100,000 wounded, the majority of whom are children and women, while more than 10,000 people still remain. Missing.
Tel Aviv continues the war it launched against Lebanon on September 23, through unprecedented intensity and bloody air strikes targeting even the capital, Beirut, in addition to a ground incursion it began in the south, while Hezbollah fighters continue to engage in battles and fire missiles into Israeli territory.
As part of the response to the Iranian missile strike on Israel on October 1, and in response to the earlier assassination of the Secretary-General of the Lebanese Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, the Israeli army announced an air strike on sites in Iran at dawn on Saturday, October 26, sparking contradictory reactions. Within the Israeli political class, between those who saw it as appropriate, and others who considered it “insufficient.”
Meanwhile, several Arab and Islamic countries and entities expressed their condemnation of the Israeli attack and considered it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a threat to stability in the region.
Source: RT
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**Interview with British Foreign Minister Lamy on Middle East Tensions**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Foreign Minister Lamy. You recently held phone conversations with both Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi. Can you tell us what was the main focus of these discussions?
**Lamy:** The primary focus was to address the escalating violence in the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. We emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation and the importance of finding a path towards peace, as a regional war would have disastrous consequences for all involved.
**Interviewer:** The Israeli war in Gaza has resulted in staggering casualties. Many observers are calling for immediate international intervention to protect civilians. What role do you believe the United Kingdom can play in this situation?
**Lamy:** The UK is committed to using its diplomatic influence to advocate for ceasefires and to support humanitarian efforts. We are actively engaging with both Israel and Iran to encourage restraint and prioritize the safety of civilians caught in the conflict.
**Interviewer:** In light of the complexities and varying perspectives on the conflict, do you see a unified approach among European and Arab nations regarding how to handle the situation?
**Lamy:** There are certainly differing viewpoints, which is why dialogue is so vital. However, there is a shared understanding among many nations about the need to de-escalate tensions. The challenge lies in balancing these perspectives and working collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.
**Interviewer:** As tensions rise, some argue that military actions, such as Israel’s strikes on Iranian sites, are necessary for security. Others believe this approach exacerbates the conflict. Where do you stand on military intervention as a viable solution?
**Lamy:** Military actions can sometimes escalate conflicts rather than resolve them. It’s crucial to prioritize diplomatic solutions and dialogue over military options wherever possible. I believe sustainable peace can only be achieved through negotiation and understanding.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for people affected by the conflict, and how can citizens in other countries contribute to the solution?
**Lamy:** My heart goes out to those suffering due to the violence; their plight must not be forgotten. Citizens can advocate for peace, support humanitarian efforts, and pressure their governments to engage in constructive dialogue. Every voice matters in the pursuit of a more stable and peaceful region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Foreign Minister Lamy. It’s clear that the situation in the Middle East poses difficult challenges, and your insights will certainly provoke thought among our readers about the best way forward.
**Debate Question for Readers:** Considering the complexities of the ongoing hostility, do you believe that diplomatic efforts like those discussed by Foreign Minister Lamy can truly lead to lasting peace, or are stronger military actions the only way to secure safety in the region? Share your thoughts.
Stand on this issue?
**Lamy:** It is indeed a contentious topic. While the right to self-defense is a fundamental principle, we must be cautious about actions that could escalate the situation further. Military strikes often lead to retaliation and increased suffering among civilians, which complicates any potential peace efforts. My stance is that diplomacy should always be the first course of action, and military measures should only be considered as a last resort when all avenues for dialogue have been exhausted.
**Interviewer:** Given the current state of the conflict, how do you envision the role of the United Kingdom in facilitating peace talks moving forward?
**Lamy:** The UK’s role is one of a mediator and advocate for dialogue. We are in constant communication with key stakeholders and pressing for inclusive discussions that involve not only Israel and Iran, but also other regional players to ensure that any resolution is comprehensive and lasting. We understand that these conversations will be difficult, but they are necessary to bring about a sustainable peace in the region.
**Interviewer:** There are concerns that prolonged conflicts like those in Gaza and Lebanon could spill over into broader regional instability. What steps do you believe are essential to prevent such a scenario?
**Lamy:** Firstly, we must encourage all parties to respect international law and prioritize humanitarian considerations. Additionally, it is essential to engage with regional leaders to foster dialogue and understanding. The UK is prepared to support initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust among nations and ensuring that grievances are addressed through peaceful means, rather than violence.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Foreign Minister Lamy, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Lamy:** Thank you for having me. It is imperative that we continue to engage and work towards a peaceful resolution for the sake of all those affected by this conflict.
