France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna conveyed a stern message to her Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, regarding the current tensions in the Middle East. In a telephone call, she emphasized the critical need for Iran and its affiliates to immediately cease their destabilizing acts in the region, particularly amidst the escalating war in Gaza.
The call, which was highlighted in a statement on social media, comes at a time of heightened tensions following a missile attack by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. This attack was described as an “initial response” to the killing of Hamas’s deputy leader in Beirut.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been marked by severe casualties. Since Israel’s vow to eliminate Hamas militants following their attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, the Israeli forces have conducted an extensive bombardment and ground invasion. This military action has led to the deaths of at least 22,722 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, as per reports from the territory’s health ministry.
Further escalating regional concerns, Iran state media reported that a twin bombing attack near the tomb of a top Revolutionary Guards general resulted in 91 deaths. This attack, claimed by the ISIS militant group, has intensified fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Colonna also held discussions with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, focusing on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the evacuation of severely wounded individuals. France and Egypt are actively engaged in facilitating these critical humanitarian efforts, highlighting their commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the Gaza population and working towards de-escalation in the region.
These diplomatic exchanges underscore the international community’s concern over the rising tensions and the potential for a larger-scale conflict in the Middle East. The situation demands careful navigation and concerted efforts to prevent further escalation and support peace and stability in the region.
