The US, Britain and the European Union called for “de-escalation” after Israel’s attack on Saturday (October 26, 2024). Deadly retaliatory attacks on military targets across Iran Muslim countries and Russia blamed Israel for escalating the conflict.
Israeli aircraft hit military bases, missile sites and other systems in several Iranian areas in response to missile attacks earlier this month. Iran said two soldiers were killed in the attacks.
America: ‘Exercise in self-defense’
The United States urged Iran to stop attacking Israel and break the cycle of violence “without escalating”.
National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters, “Israel’s response was an exercise in self-defense and notably avoided populated areas and focused solely on military targets, in contrast to Iran’s attack against Israel. Which targeted Israel’s most populous city.” Did not participate in the operation.
“It is our objective to accelerate diplomacy and reduce tensions in the Middle East region,” he said.
Britain: ‘de-escalation’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for “de-escalation” and said Iran should not respond to Israel’s attacks.
“I think we need to be really clear that Israel has the right to defend itself, but we are urging, and urging all sides to exercise restraint, and that’s why I’m very vocal today. “To be clear, Iran should not respond to this,” Mr Starmer said.
EU: ‘Extreme restraint’
The EU warned against a “dangerous cycle of attacks and reprisals” that could lead to full-scale regional war.
“Recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, the EU calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid uncontrolled escalation, which serves no one’s interests,” the 27-nation grouping said in a statement.
Russia: ‘Disastrous scenario’
Russia urged all sides to exercise restraint and warned of a “catastrophic scenario”.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned of an “explosive escalation”, saying, “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop violence and prevent incidents from developing into a catastrophic scenario.”
Saudi: ‘Threat to security’
Saudi Arabia condemned Israel and warned against any further expansion of the conflict in the Middle East.
The Foreign Ministry said, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and condemns the Israeli attacks”, reiterating “its firm position rejecting the escalation of conflict in the region” which “threatens the security and stability of countries and peoples”. ” in the Middle East.
Qatar: ‘Exercise restraint’
Qatar said Israel’s targeting of Iran was “a gross violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a clear violation of the principles of international law”.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern about the serious consequences that could result from this tension” in a statement, calling on “all concerned parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means”.
Bahrain: ‘Deeply concerned’
Bahrain, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, condemned the “military operation” against Iran while expressing “deep concern over the continued increase in tensions” in the region.
In a statement, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry urged parties concerned to “exercise restraint and prioritize de-escalation to prevent the escalation of war and conflict.”
Syria: ‘solidarity’ with Iran
Syria expressed its “solidarity” with its ally Iran.
The Foreign Ministry said it supported “Iran’s legitimate right to defend itself and its territory and the lives of its citizens.”
Iraq: ‘Conflict increasing in Israel’
Iraq accused Israel of escalating the conflict in the Middle East and condemned global inaction.
“The occupying Zionist entity is continuing its aggressive policies and escalating the conflict in the region through blatant attacks,” government spokesman Bassim Alawadi said in a statement, citing “the silence of the international community” over Israeli actions. Is.”
Jordan: ‘Dangerous increase’
Jordan said the attacks “are a violation of international law and (Iran’s) sovereignty, and a dangerous escalation that leads to greater tensions in the region.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sufyan Qudah called on the international community to “take immediate measures to assume its responsibilities and stop Israeli aggression on Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon as a first step towards reducing the escalation.”
Türkiye: End Israeli ‘terror’
Turkey condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for an end to Israel’s “terror” in the region.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said, “Ending the terror created by Israel in the region has become a historic task for the establishment of international peace and security.”
It says, “By carrying out massacres in Gaza, preparing to occupy the West Bank, and killing civilians every day in Lebanon, Israel has brought our region to the brink of a major war.”
Pakistan: ‘Undermining stability’
Pakistan condemned Israel’s attacks, saying it takes “full responsibility” for escalating the conflict in the Middle East.
“These attacks undermine the path to regional peace and stability and lead to a dangerous escalation in an already unstable region,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Hamas: ‘violation of sovereignty’
The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which is at war with Israel in Gaza and is backed by Iran, attacked Israel.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the targeting of military sites in several provinces,” the movement said in a statement, calling the move “a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an increase in danger.” Has gone. Security of the area”.
Germany: ‘Stop immediately’
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Iran against any “escalation” after Israel attacked Iranian military targets.
“My message to Iran is clear: Large-scale escalating reactions must not continue. They must stop immediately. Only then can we open up the possibility of peaceful development in the Middle East,” Scholz posted on Twitter.
Algeria, Tunisia: condemn the attack
The Algerian Foreign Ministry “strongly condemned and condemned” Israel’s military attacks on Iran, which it called a “heinous aggression”, and called on the international community to prevent Israel from escalating the conflict in the region.
Neighboring Tunisia similarly issued a statement warning of the “serious consequences” of Israeli attacks on Iran and calling on “the international community to urgently accept its responsibilities to end this reckless approach.”
published – October 26, 2024 08:36 PM IST