Britain says escalation must be avoided ‘at all costs’
Britain has called for restraint after the largest clashes between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of the war in Gaza.
“Further escalation in the Middle East must be avoided at all costs,” Foreign Secretary David Lammy posted on X after a call with Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, Ron Dermer.
“I reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s security, the importance of restraint, the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.”
In a separate post, Lammy said: “All parties must work to prevent an escalation in conflict across the Middle East. I expressed my deep concerns over today’s events in a call with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and stressed the need for restraint from all sides.”
Canada backs Israel after Hezbollah attacks
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly says she has been in touch with her Israeli counterpart as she “reiterated Canada’s support for Israel’s security, including against Hezbollah”.
“The international community must continue to do everything it can to prevent further escalation,” she posted on X. “We continue to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, alongside the complete release of hostages.”
The Canadian government, along with other Western countries that provide military support for Israel, most notably the US, is facing growing calls to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
1/2 I am in touch with Israel’s Foreign Minister and reiterated Canada’s support for Israel’s security, including against Hezbollah - a listed terrorist organization.
The international community must continue to do everything it can to prevent further escalation.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) August 25, 2024
Stop sending weapons if you actually want to de-escalate.
Israel approves 2024 budget hike to fund displaced citizens
Israel’s cabinet has approved an expansion of $923m in the 2024 state budget to help fund evacuees until the end of the year, its Finance Ministry says.
Thousands of Israelis in the north have been moved to hotels in the wake of daily rocket fire exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah since October 8. Those living close to the line separating Gaza from Israel are also included in what the cabinet called “conflict zones”.
The ministry said it was working to bring the budget adjustments for a vote in parliament as soon as possible.
Due to a spike in military spending, the budget deficit hit 8.1 percent of Israel’s gross domestic product in July over the prior 12 months, it said.
