British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tells Netanyahu it’s time for ‘cooler heads’

Rishi Sunak stressed in a phone call with Netanyahu that “a significant escalation of the situation is not in anyone’s interest.”

London:

British Prime Minister Sunak on Tuesday called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “remain calm” following the weekend’s Iranian attacks.

Sunak stressed in a conference call on Tuesday afternoon that “a significant escalation is in no one’s interest and will only deepen insecurity in the Middle East. This is a moment when cooler heads prevail,” Sunak’s office said.

His office said Sunak “reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Israel’s security and wider regional stability”.

“The Prime Minister said Iran has seriously miscalculated and is increasingly isolated on the global stage, and the G7 is coordinating a diplomatic response.”

Tehran launched its first direct attack on its old enemy on Tuesday, leading to a sharp increase in regional tensions, while the war in Gaza continues with no truce in sight and Israel and Iran threaten each other.

According to the transcript of the call, Sunak said during the call that he was “gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

“The UK hopes to see significant changes in the channels for important material aid in the flood-stricken areas of Gaza, including the opening of new aid routes by Israel as soon as possible.”

“The Prime Minister said it was deeply disappointing that Hamas blocked a deal over the weekend that would have saved Palestinian lives and ensured the safe release of hostages”.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)