Yvette Cooper expresses deep worry over the increasing Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need to include Lebanon in a regional ceasefire agreement. The Foreign Secretary criticized Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Lebanon, labeling it as counterproductive amid the emerging cracks in the ceasefire.
Following Donald Trump’s announcement of the agreement, confusion arose regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with Israel asserting that the war falls outside the ceasefire terms, while Pakistan, acting as a peace mediator, claimed its inclusion. Israel conducted numerous strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, boasting of launching 100 attacks in a span of 10 minutes and insisting that their actions were not covered by the peace deal.
Cooper underscored her concerns about the humanitarian impact of the Israeli strikes, highlighting the displacement of civilians and casualties. She stressed the crucial necessity of incorporating Lebanon into the ceasefire to achieve an end to hostilities for the security of Israel and the broader Middle East region. Additionally, she condemned Israel’s actions, deeming them wholly inappropriate.
In a subsequent address, Cooper called for unrestricted and toll-free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the importance of preventing Iran from imposing tolls on this vital maritime route. She emphasized that the Strait is an international transit pathway that must remain free from tolls and restrictions to ensure smooth operations.
World leaders, including Keir Starmer, urged Israel to halt its assault on Lebanon and advocated for a lasting resolution to the conflict in conjunction with the US-Iran ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron strongly denounced Israel’s indiscriminate strikes in Lebanon.
US Vice President JD Vance clarified that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire agreement due to a misunderstanding, refuting claims that it was included. On the contrary, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that an immediate ceasefire encompassing Lebanon had been agreed upon by the US, Iran, and their allies.
The ceasefire agreement between Trump and Iran, finalized at the eleventh hour, aimed to avert further escalation and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which had been blocked by Iran.