Iran risks setting Middle East on fire, Germany warns

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned of a further escalation in the Middle East after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel.

“Iran is risking setting the entire region on fire: This must be prevented at all costs,’’ the German leader said in a statement published on Wednesday.

Mr Scholz noted that it was only thanks to Israel’s air defence and allies that the Iranian attack on Tuesday evening had been largely repelled.

Mr Scholz called for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Tehran to immediately cease their attacks on Israel.

The German Government would continue to work together with its partners to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Mr Scholz said.

A halt in fighting must be the first step in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which stipulates that Hezbollah must withdraw from the border area with Israel, Mr Scholz said.

“This will pave the way for the return of people to northern Israel and, at the same time, open up the prospect of consolidating Lebanon’s statehood.”

(dpa/NAN)