World leaders are urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French President Emmanuel Macron both emphasized the need to avoid an escalation in response to Iran’s assault, the first direct military attack by Iran on Israel. Israeli military spokesman stated that 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted. The conflict between Israel and Iran has been escalating, with tensions rising throughout Israel’s war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s attack on Israel has raised fears of a wider war, but all sides in the conflict have also scored gains. Russia has expressed extreme concern over the situation in the Middle East and has urged all countries in the region to show restraint and resolve disagreements through political and diplomatic means. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has condemned Iran’s attack and called on Iran to rein in its proxies in the Middle East. Oil prices fell after the attack on Israel failed to cause widespread damage, as it was thwarted by Israel and its allies and the US made it clear it did not support a wider war with Iran.
In response to Iran’s attack, four Israeli soldiers were wounded by an explosion along the northern border with Lebanon. Israeli military lifted restrictions on public activities and schools can reopen after a safety precaution ahead of the missile strike. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on Israel to contribute to de-escalation in the Middle East and urged Iran to stop their aggression. African governments are urging Israel and Iran to show restraint and avoid escalating the conflict. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported a high number of casualties, with 68 people killed in the past 24 hours.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned Iran against further escalating tensions in the Middle East and stressed the importance of diplomatic solutions. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Iran’s attack but no action was taken, with calls for de-escalation and restraint. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog praised the strong alliance between the US and Israel in the face of the attack. The US has condemned Iran’s attack on Israel as intending to cause significant damage and death, with calls for accountability.
Israel is activating two reserve brigades for operations in Gaza, specifically the southern city of Rafah. The G7 countries have issued a statement condemning Iran’s attack on Israel and expressing full solidarity and support for Israel’s security. The G7 leaders emphasized the need to avoid further escalation and destabilization in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to complete the Gaza operation despite international opposition, with plans to evacuate civilians from Rafah. The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with efforts to stabilize and avoid further escalation in the conflict ongoing.
