UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls Israeli strikes on Lebanon ‘wrong’ and demands they stop, while touring Gulf states to bolster a fragile Middle East ceasefire.
LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon “wrong” and demanded they stop.
Starmer made the comments while on a tour of Gulf states aimed at discussing the fragile Middle East ceasefire.
“That shouldn’t be happening, that should stop, that’s my strong view,” the prime minister told Britain’s ITV News.
He described the issue as a “matter of principles” while acknowledging he did not have full details of the ceasefire deal.
Starmer spoke during a visit to Bahrain after meeting leaders in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
He also rejected a suggestion from Iran that it could charge for letting ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Our position is ‘open’ means open for safe navigation,” Starmer told ITV.
Traffic through the vital Gulf waterway remained extremely limited despite the announced US-Iran ceasefire.
In comments to regional broadcasters, Starmer said Gulf allies view the ceasefire as “fragile”.
The Gulf leaders see Britain as a “friend”, Starmer said, describing his trip’s aim as securing a permanent peace.
On Thursday he met Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
He met Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan earlier on Thursday.
A UAE news agency said they discussed the “serious implications” of Middle East developments.
On Wednesday he met Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer focused on upholding the ceasefire for lasting peace.
Starmer also said his visit was to thank British military personnel deployed in the region.
His Gulf tour followed a virtual meeting of military planners from over 30 countries hosted by Britain.
