“Risk of regional conflagration”
Heads of state strongly condemn Iranian attack on Israel
April 14, 2024, 3:30 a.m
Iran’s attack on Israel increases fears of a catastrophic deterioration in the situation in the Middle East. Scholz even fears a “regional conflagration”. British Prime Minister Sunak demands that further bloodshed must be prevented.
Several heads of state have strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Israel. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that “with this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack,” Iran risks a “regional conflagration.” Scholz found out about the attacks on the flight to China. “In these difficult times, Germany stands closely by Israel’s side. We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies.” While Iran urged the US to stay out of the conflict, US President Joe Biden reassured Israel of his country’s “unwavering” support.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is unwavering,” Biden said on the online service X. He had previously held an emergency meeting with his team responsible for security affairs.
Sunak: “Nobody wants more bloodshed”
Biden had already canceled a weekend stay in the US state of Delaware before the Iranian attack began and returned to Washington. According to the White House, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of the CIA, William Burns, took part in the emergency meeting. The US President’s team is in “constant communication” with Israeli partners and other allies, said White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Britain would “continue to commit to Israel’s security.” “Together with our allies, we are working hard to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation,” Sunak added. “Nobody wants to see more bloodshed.” France’s Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné wrote on X: “With the decision to take this unprecedented action, Iran has crossed a new level of destabilization.” France reiterates its support for Israel’s security.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the Iranian attacks. “I am deeply concerned by the very real threat of devastating escalation across the region. I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” Guterres said in a statement.
For the first time, Iran has made good on its threat and attacked Israel directly. More than 200 drones and missiles were fired at Israel, said army spokesman Daniel Hagari. The “vast majority” of them were intercepted. The attack lasted several hours before Israeli homeland security gave the all-clear. Residents in the north and south of the country no longer have to stay near shelters, according to a message on the Homeland Security website.