France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have expressed concern over the possibility of imminent attacks on Israel by Iran and its allies in response to recent killings of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah. The leaders of the three European nations issued a joint statement on Monday, calling for “de-escalation and regional stability” in the Middle East, as well as an urgent ceasefire.
Global concern is growing that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a widespread regional conflict following the assassinations of two figures linked to Iran last month. Despite rising calls for restraint, both sides continue to make threats as Israel’s bombardment of Gaza persists.
“We urge Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardize the possibility of achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” stated the declaration, signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The trio also supports the recent efforts from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to mediate in the 10-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“The fighting must stop now, and all hostages still held by Hamas must be released,” the statement continued. “The people of Gaza are in urgent need of unimaginable delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid.”
Iran is expected to respond to an order from its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to “harshly punish” Israel, which they accuse of killing Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The armed Lebanese group Hezbollah has also vowed revenge after Israel claimed it had killed their senior leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Both Iran and Hezbollah have stated that they do not seek a total war but are prepared should it occur. Israeli military leadership is reportedly cautious about entering an open conflict while continuing their operations in Gaza against Hamas. However, the country’s hardline political leaders appear eager to maintain aggressive rhetoric and are pushing for increased military action.
Hezbollah reported that an Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed two of their fighters, and the group claimed to have launched 30 rockets into northern Israel on Monday. Additionally, the United States has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and expedited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group to the area in light of growing concerns over escalating conflict in the region.
The European statement followed a similar announcement from U.S. President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who supported a three-phase framework that demands an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of prisoners to their families, and the secure and effective distribution of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, all three European countries, along with the U.S., continue to send arms to Israel. However, it has been reported that the new government in the United Kingdom has effectively suspended new export licenses while conducting an evaluation.