Posted on 08/12/24
| News Source: FOX News
Western powers have issued a joint statement Monday warning Iran and its allies to "refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions" in the Middle East as they appear to soon be heading toward a breaking point.
Regional sources told Fox News foreign correspondent Trey Yingst on Monday that they are concerned Iran and its proxies could attack Israel within the next 24 hours in retaliation for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month. The message from France, Germany and the United Kingdom – which calls on Israel and Hamas to show "no further delay" in getting back to the negotiating table to hammer out a cease-fire and hostage release deal – also comes as Lebanon is bracing for a wider war and the Islamic State is plotting its re-emergence.
"We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability. In this context, and in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardize the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages," wrote French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardize this opportunity for peace and stability," the leaders added. "No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East."
However, on Sunday, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas said it would not participate in new negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza this week unless mediators presented a plan based on previous talks.
Hamas, which is still holding dozens of hostages including Americans, said it has shown "flexibility" throughout the negotiating process but that suspected Israeli actions – including the assassination of Haniyeh – indicate it is not serious about pursuing a cease-fire agreement.
Tensions are also rising Monday between Israel and its northern neighbor, Lebanon.
On Monday, the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah launched 30 rockets into northern Israel, although no casualties were reported, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
"Following sirens that sounded a short while ago in northern Israel, approximately 30 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon toward the area of Kabri, a number of which fell in open areas," an IDF spokesman said.