FM Bettel calls for immediate ceasefire, de-escalation in Middle East

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Tuesday announced penalising measures against Iran in a video conference with foreign ministers from across the EU. Borrell reiterated Israel's right to defend itself, condemning the Iranian attack once more.

The United States followed suit later on by announcing additional sanctions against Iran after its retaliatory attack against Israel.

Read also: US rules out joining Israeli attack on Iran

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel put out a statement following the meeting. "In this extremely tense regional situation, I call for de-escalation and restraint on all sides. A wider regional war must be avoided at all costs; it is in nobody's interest", declared Bettel.

Protecting the civilian population should be the highest priority, he further noted: "This is why it is essential to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where the war has been going on for more than six months, with terrible consequences for the inhabitants."

"The EU must support all efforts aiming to negotiate a ceasefire, which would also make it possible to free the remaining hostages. We must be aware that this war is fuelling hatred in the region; it must therefore be brought to an end by opening up a long-term political perspective for a two-state solution", Bettel added.

The Middle East conflict and potential sanctions against Israel continue being discussed over the course of the informal EU summit in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday. State and government heads will also debate economic issues, the war in Ukraine, and relations with Turkey.

At the same time, G7 member states are set to convene in Capri on Wednesday, with diplomatic responses to the Iranian strikes on the agenda. Despite ensuring continued commitment, British PM Rishi Sunak advised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to stay levelheaded in a call leading up to the summit.