Kingdom, global powers, pope call for restraint

World leaders urged restraint on Sunday after Israel came under an unprecedented attack from Iranian drones and sparked fears of a broader conflict.

Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over the military escalation in the Middle East and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint. Similar calls came from Britain, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iraq, Russia, Turkiye and the Vatican, where Pope Francis called for “an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence.”

The Saud Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of “serious repercussions” on the region and its peoples from the dangers of a wider war. The ministry statement “affirmed the Kingdom’s position calling for the need for the Security Council to assume its responsibility toward maintaining international peace and security, especially in this region that is extremely sensitive to global peace and security, and to prevent the escalation of the crisis that will have serious consequences if it expands.”

The pontiff demanded the world “help the population facing a humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.

“I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict,” the pontiff declared following his traditional Sunday prayer in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

“I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran’s intervention,” the pope told worshippers.

“No one should threaten the existence of others. All countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security,” he said.