UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have jointly issued a warning to Iran, urging it to refrain

from any attacks against Israel.

In a unified statement, the leaders expressed their concerns over the escalating tensions in the region, emphasizing their shared commitment to de-escalation and maintaining regional stability. "We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability," they stated.

They specifically called on Iran and its allies to avoid any actions that could further inflame the situation and jeopardize the possibility of achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages. "They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardize this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East," the statement warned.

The warning comes amid Israeli concerns of a possible attack from Iran, following the deaths of senior Hezbollah official Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for these incidents, tensions have significantly increased.

Earlier, on Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden also cautioned Iran against taking any aggressive action towards Israel. When asked by reporters if he had a message for the leaders of the Islamic Republic, Biden’s response was a firm "don’t."

The European leaders also voiced their support for ongoing efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They reiterated the urgency of resuming negotiations and preventing further escalation. "We endorse the joint statement of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, President Sisi, and President Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations. We agree that there can be no further delay," the statement read.

They further stressed the importance of ending the ongoing conflict, releasing all hostages held by Hamas, and ensuring the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned an Israeli strike on a school in Gaza. He expressed his dismay on Twitter, stating, "I am appalled by the Israeli military strike on al-Tabeen school and the tragic loss of life. Hamas must stop endangering civilians. Israel must comply with International Humanitarian Law."

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claimed that over 90 civilians were killed in the strike. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that at least 19 terrorists, including senior Hamas officials, were present at the location during the attack. Photo by Tasnim News Agency, Wikimedia commons.