European Leaders Call for Peace

PARIS — In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East following a rocket attack that killed 12 children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, European leaders are actively working to prevent a regional war. Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have engaged in diplomatic efforts with Lebanon, Israel, and Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint. The situation is particularly precarious for France and Italy, which have troops deployed in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), an area that has seen increased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The rocket attack on Saturday, which struck the Druze town of Majdal Shams, has heightened fears of a broader conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not overlook the incident, signaling a potential military response. In light of the escalating violence, several airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France, have suspended flights to Beirut, reflecting growing concerns over safety in the region. Diplomatic communications have intensified, with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaching out to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, despite the Lebanese government's limited control over Hezbollah. French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Iran to cease its support for destabilizing groups, highlighting the need for cooperation among all involved nations. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has advocated for a U.N. resolution to establish a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River, emphasizing that this could be a crucial step in preventing a devastating war. Meanwhile, a Lebanese official indicated that while Hezbollah is not seeking full-scale war, it remains prepared to engage if conflict arises.