UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné issued a stark warning of the potentially catastrophic consequences of any Iranian retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
“One miscalculation, and the situation risks spiralling into an even deeper and more intractable conflict. This cycle, with its tendency towards escalation, is making progress towards a political solution harder.”
The Ministers emphasised that such actions could not only derail the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, but also have broader, devastating consequences for the region. They also stated that since last October, tensions have been rising not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon.
Lammy and Séjourné highlighted the cycle of violence seen in the region, warning that it risked deepening and becoming increasingly intractable due to miscalculations.
It’s never too late for peace. An all-out conflict across the region is in nobody’s interests. All parties need to show restraint and invest in diplomacy. Any Iranian attack would have devastating consequences, not least in undermining current Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
The article emphasises that the national interests and security of both France and the UK, as well as the security of Europe and the Middle East, are interlinked, prompting the two countries to work closely together.
“All sides should focus on the recently restarted negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. These talks offer a vital opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire that ends the horrendous conflict in Gaza.”
They stressed that “urgently securing such a deal is in the interests of Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region” and that only an agreement could “relieve civilian suffering” and “restore communities’ sense of security.”
Only a deal can open up the space for progress towards a two-state solution – the only long-term route to safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. There can be no delays or excuses. We must all come together. Reconnect in the interests of peace.
In the first joint visit by the UK and France in more than 10 years, Lammy and Séjourné visited Israel as well as the Palestinian territories on Friday.
