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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for restraint and de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah amid escalating Middle East tensions.

What’s the deal: During a speech, Prime Minister Starmer said, “I call again for restraint and de-escalation at the border between Lebanon and Israel. I call again for all parties to pull back from the brink. I call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the hostages, and a recommitment to the two-state solution: a recognized Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”

The ‘sausages’: While speaking, Starmer misspoke and referred to Israeli hostages as the “sausages.” He said, “I call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the sausages – the hostages – and a recommitment to the two-state solution: recognized Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”

Notable stances: Shortly after Prime Minister Keir Starmer took power, the United Kingdom announced a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel, citing concerns that the exported weapons might be used in ways that breach international humanitarian law. According to the UK, this move was driven by legal obligations rather than a shift in policy. Five days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the current UK government over the suspension of arms exports. He said, “After the October 7 Hamas massacre, the previous British government was clear in its support. Unfortunately, the current government is sending mixed messages.”

In addition to suspending weapons transfers, another significant shift included Prime Minister Starmer resuming funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This reversal was notable after allegations that some UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.