Israel: "UK and France, please assist with retaliation if Iran attacks"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Amid Iran accusing Israel of being behind the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and vowing retaliation, Israel has requested support from the United Kingdom and France for an attack on Iran.

On the 16th (local time), according to AFP and AP news agencies, Israeli Foreign Minister Katz told the British and French foreign ministers visiting Jerusalem that "if Iran attacks, we expect our allies not only to defend but also to participate in striking Iran's key targets." David Lammy, the British Foreign Secretary, and St?phane S?journ?, the French Foreign Minister, visited Israel to seek solutions to ease tensions in the Middle East. They are also scheduled to visit the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

Before departing for Israel, Foreign Secretary Lammy urged restraint, saying, "The risk of descending into an uncontrollable situation is increasing." The UK Foreign Office stated it would "emphasize that there is no time for any party to delay or make excuses regarding ceasefire negotiations." The foreign ministers also strongly condemned attacks by Palestinian civilians on Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

While ceasefire talks continued for the second day in Doha, Qatar, Israel issued evacuation orders to residents in the southern Gaza Strip areas of Khan Yunis and parts of central Deir al-Balah and warned of additional airstrikes. The Israeli military stated via social media that "due to serious terrorist acts, misuse of humanitarian zones, and rocket and mortar attacks toward Israel, it has become dangerous to remain in these areas."