South Korea Calls for Restraint, Diplomatic Efforts to Reduce Middle East Tensions

SEOUL — South Korea has expressed "deep concern" over the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East and has urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, the foreign ministry said Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, "Our government expresses deep concern over the recent sharp escalation of tensions in the Middle East." Lee added, "We strongly urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and hope that diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, including ceasefire and negotiations on the release of hostages, will continue without interruption."

Tensions have increased in the already devastated region following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of the Hamas militant group, who had been leading negotiations to pause the conflict with Israel. His death has reduced the prospects for negotiations to end the war, as Iran has claimed Israel's responsibility for the killing and has threatened retaliation. Fears of a wider regional clash have also escalated after a rocket attack on a town in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights killed 12 children. Israel has accused the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah of being behind the attack.