World powers seek de-escalation of tensions as West Asia simmers

PARIS: Calls grew on Wednesday for a de-escalation of violence after intense hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin urged the warring factions to halt fighting in a call with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said the world needs to give Israel a “strong” lesson.

“Serious concern was expressed about the continuing clashes and the growing number of people killed and wounded,” the Kremlin said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Israel and the Palestinians to “step back from the brink”, calling for both sides to “show restraint”.

“The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties and we want to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions,” he tweeted.

Germany said Israel had a “right to self-defence” against deadly rocket fire by Palestinian militants. “The German government condemns these incessant rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip against Israeli cities in the strongest terms,” Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said. “Israel has the right to self-defence against these attacks.”

European Union chief Charles Michel called on Israelis and Palestinians to halt fighting and avoid civilian casualties, after speaking with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. “Very worried by the recent upsurge of violence and indiscriminate targeting,” European Council president Michel tweeted.