ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy told Iran in a joint call to “stand down” its threats of a military attack on Israel for its involvement in the latest assassinations of pro-Iran regional figures. The five Western powers said in a joint statement that their leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, expressing their “full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.” “We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place,” the statement read. They also reiterated their support for Israel “against Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups.” Calls for the resumption of talks between Hamas movement and the Israeli government to reach an agreement on a potential ceasefire have increased in recent days as Iran continues its threats to carry out a retaliatory attack on Israel - which Tehran blames for the recent death of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the assassination. “All parties must live up to their responsibilities. In addition, unfettered delivery and distribution of aid is needed,” the five Western states said on Monday. There are efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to resume talks between Hamas and Israel. The five Western powers endorsed these efforts. Leaders of France, Germany and UK said in a separate statement earlier in the day that they too welcome the “tireless work” of US, Qatar and Egypt “towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.” “We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability,” they said. Hamas, whose October 7 surprise attack on southern Israel triggered the all-out war with Tel Aviv, said late Monday that one Israeli captive was killed and two others were injured after two guards shot them in an alleged emotional reaction to a recent deadly Israeli airstrike on Gaza. Hamas killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped hundreds of others during the October attack. Nearly 40,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip since the start of the war, according to the latest toll from the Palestinian authorities.
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![Flags of Iran [left] and US, UK, France, Germany and Italy [right]. Graphic: Rudaw](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.rudaw.net%2Fs3%2Frudaw.net%2FContentFiles%2F815732Image1.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
