The British Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer on Thursday attended the Lebanon Support Conference in Paris to reiterate calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Below is Falconer's speech at the conference as distributed by the Brirish embassy in Lebanon:
"The situation in Lebanon is worsening daily, and civilian casualties are mounting.
The risks of further escalation cannot be overstated. We cannot let Lebanon become another Gaza.
This is why today the UK repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah.
Let us not forget that this conflict started when Hizballah launched rockets at northern Israel, forcing the Israelis to flee their homes.
The UK stands with Israel and recognises its right of self defence in the face of unlawful Iranian attacks.
Iran must immediately halt those attacks, and stand down its proxies.
Meanwhile, we are working with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the sole legitimate defender of that state, to support security and stability.