PM calls for calm as Israel attacks again

Published on 14/07/2006 12:26

PRIME Minister Tony Blair today called for calm in the Middle East as Israeli forces mounted a second attack on Beirut's airport.

Mr Blair said there needed to be energy and commitment from the entire international community to deal with the escalating crisis.

The Prime Minister said the only way to resolve the situation would be for all sides to return to negotiations based on the international road map towards a two-state solution for the Middle East.

Mr Blair said: "The most important thing is that there is support now for the United Nations' mission to try and get some restraint into this situation.

"I want to emphasise just how serious I think this is.

"I entirely understand the desire, and indeed need, for Israel to defend itself properly, and I also understand the plight of Lebanon and the Lebanese government, not to say the many Palestinians that suffer as well."

Mr Blair was speaking as Israel widened its offensive on Lebanon, with fighter bombers blasting the capital's airport for a second day.

Three people were killed and 55 wounded in the latest air strikes.

The death toll brought to 51 the number of Lebanese killed since Wednesday, when Israel began retaliating for the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah guerrillas.