The United States is working around the clock to end the spiral of violence in the Middle East
There exists a "very simple message - all parties must refrain from escalation," Blinken further stated. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas "will open opportunities for lasting peace, not just in the Gaza Strip itself, but also in other areas where the conflict could spread." He emphasized: "It is urgently necessary for all parties to make the right decisions in the coming hours and days."
At the White House, US President Joe Biden consulted with his national security team about "developments in the Middle East." Vice President Kamala Harris also participated in the meeting. Earlier, Biden had spoken with King Abdullah II of Jordan by phone, and Blinken had spoken with the prime minister of Qatar and the Egyptian foreign minister. The two countries are considered mediators in the region.
After the Israel-attributed fatal attack on Hamas chief Ismail Haniyah in Tehran last week, Iran had threatened retaliation. Just hours before Haniyah's killing, Israel had killed Fuad Shukr, the highest-ranking commander of the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
An attack on Israel could be imminent: On Sunday, Blinken informed the foreign ministers of the G7 countries that an attack by Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia could occur within 24 or 48 hours - that is, as early as Monday, as reported by the US news site Axios.
The European Union expressed their concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and urged all parties involved to deescalate the situation. In response to the threat from Iran following the attack on Hamas chief Ismail Haniyah, the European Union issued a joint statement calling for restraint.
