Australia, UK issue warnings to citizens amid escalation risks in Lebanon

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that his country is not seeking an "all-out war" and emphasized the need for implementing United Nations Resolution 1701, which ended the last conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

In a letter sent to numerous international counterparts, Katz urged the immediate enforcement of the resolution to prevent further escalation.

He stressed that global support for Israel is crucial and called for the cessation of Hezbollah’s attacks, its withdrawal north of the Litani River, and its disarmament as per UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Katz also highlighted the plight of tens of thousands of Israeli residents displaced from northern Israel, asserting that their safe return to their homes must be ensured.

Senior Iranian diplomats have vowed that Iran will take significant retaliatory actions in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Iran’s UN Mission posted on X, stating, “The response to an assassination will indeed be special operations — harder and intended to instill deep regret in the perpetrator.”

Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, also said that “Iran in return will not allow this region to be prey to the joint US and Israeli administrations.”

British Foreign Minister David Lammy and Defense Minister John Healey have arrived in Qatar to advance efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and to advocate for de-escalation throughout the region, according to the British government.

Lammy emphasized the importance of engaging with partners, stating, “It is absolutely vital that we engage closely with partners like Qatar, who play a key role in mediating the conflict in Gaza, so that we can bring this devastating war to an end.”

The UK Foreign Office also released a statement, urging a reduction in tensions across the Middle East and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed his support for Israel’s security during a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

According to a Pentagon statement, the two leaders discussed "Israel’s response to Lebanese Hezbollah’s July 27 attack on Israel" and the "ongoing efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution that enables citizens on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to safely return to their homes."

Austin also “reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense”, according to the readout.

The Iranian foreign ministry released a statement accusing the United States of being an "accomplice and supporter of Israel in the killing of Ismail Haniyeh."

According to the statement, the Islamic Republic considers a "appropriate response" to this action, which it views as an attack on its "sovereignty and territorial integrity," to be its inherent right.

The ministry further called on countries and international organizations to "seriously and effectively hold Israel accountable" and take necessary political, legal, and punitive measures in support of "the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and their resistance."