US, European Allies Ask Iran to Stop Threats to Attack Israel

Israeli military land operations in Gaza. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - US President Joe Biden spoke with leaders from European allies - France, Germany, Italy and Britain - to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the White House said.

In a joint statement released by the White House on Monday, the leaders of the five countries said they supported calls from the United States, Qatar and Egypt for renewed Gaza ceasefire talks to finalize an agreement as soon as possible.

Monday's joint statement stressed "there is no more time to waste." The statement also expressed support for Israel against Iranian threats while urging the distribution and delivery of aid to Gaza.

There is a growing risk of a wider Middle East war, after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut sparked threats of retaliation against Israel.

"We call on Iran to cease threatening military attacks on Israel and address the serious consequences for regional security if such an attack occurs," the joint statement from the US and European allies said, as reported by Reuters on August 13.

Previously, President Joe Biden outlined a three-phase ceasefire proposal in his speech on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried to arrange a Gaza ceasefire deal for the hostages but have run into repeated obstacles.

Meanwhile, Egypt, the United States, and Qatar have scheduled a new round of ceasefire negotiations for Thursday this week.

It is known that the Palestinian militant group led by Hamas carried out an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli calculations.

On the other hand, the death toll of Gazans due to Israeli attacks since last October has reached 39,897 people and 92,152 others injured, with the majority of victims being women and children, quoted from WAFA.