Leaders in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and the United States came together on Monday to call for peace in the Middle East.
The White House released a joint statement from the Western nations advocating for Iran to cease its threats of aggression against Israel, stating: “We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions, and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.”
The statement also endorsed efforts backed by U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts in Egypt and Qatar to continue talks between Israel and Hamas “later this week with an aim to concluding the deal as soon as possible.” The group urged that “there is no further time to lose.”
While Israel has agreed to continue negotiations, Hamas announced on Sunday that it would not participate in talks set to resume on Thursday.
The coalition said that “all parties must live up to their responsibilities,” and that “unfettered delivery and distribution of aid is needed.”
The statement by national leaders concluded by demanding that Iranian leadership “stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack,” as well as defended Israel’s right to protect its people from “Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups.”