European Powers Urge Iran Not To 'Jeopardize' Cease-Fire Opportunity, Urge De-Escalation In Region

People inspect the damage following Israeli bombardment in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, on August 12.

The leaders of Britain, Germany, and France have called for "de-escalation and regional stability" in the Middle East and urged Iran and its allies not to "jeopardize the opportunity to agree a cease-fire and the release of hostages" in Gaza. In a joint statement on August 12, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed U.S. and regional calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations between Israel and Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. They said there can be "no further delay" in such negotiations.