Lammy ‘concerned’ by civilian casualties in ongoing Lebanon conflict

The Foreign Secretary urged British nationals to leave Lebanon while it was still possible after further Israeli air strikes on the country’s south.

Hezbollah has vowed retaliation for strikes using exploding pagers (Hussein Malla/AP) (AP)

The Foreign Secretary has expressed concern about “rising tensions and civilian casualties” in Lebanon amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel is reported to have carried out air strikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday afternoon as Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to retaliate following this week’s attacks that targeted Lebanese militants with exploding pagers.

In a televised speech, Mr Nasrallah said the attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, had been a “severe blow” and claimed they had killed dozens, including children, and wounded thousands.

On Thursday evening, David Lammy said he had spoken to Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati and “expressed my deep concern over rising tensions and civilian casualties in Lebanon”.

He added that he and Mr Mikati had discussed “the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability and security” across the border between Israel and Lebanon.

Mr Lammy went on to repeat the Foreign Office’s warning to British nationals, urging them to leave Lebanon “while commercial options remain” as the situation “could deteriorate rapidly”.

Also on Thursday, two Israeli soldiers were reported to have been killed by Hezbollah in the group’s own cross-border attacks.

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant meanwhile vowed that Israeli civilians would return to the country’s north as he promised Hezbollah would “pay an increasing price”.

Fears of an all-out war have mounted as Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire across Lebanon’s southern border.

Hezbollah’s renewed offensive followed Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, and both groups are backed by Iran.

Western countries including the UK have repeatedly urged restraint, arguing escalation could lead to a regional war.

The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon.