Doha: Diplomatic pressure mounted on Israel Friday to secure a truce that could avert a wider war after more than 10 months of fighting in Gaza, as mediators prepared to meet for a second day of talks in Qatar.
Months of effort by international negotiators have yet to secure a truce or hostage release deal but regional tensions have since soared, underscoring the urgency of a ceasefire agreement.
Hamas Palestinian militants were absent, saying they had agreed to terms and urging the United States to pressure Israel.
The risk of a broader Middle East war has surged since the July 31 killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran and its allied groups in the region blamed Israel and vowed revenge.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the talks had “a promising start” but “there remains a lot of work to do”.
The United States, Israel’s main ally and military supplier, has been mediating with Qatar and Egypt, alongside intensive efforts by other nations pushing for a truce
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“This is a dangerous moment for the Middle East. The risk of the situation spiralling out of control is rising,” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said ahead of his visit to Israel with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne.
In meetings with Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, Britain’s foreign ministry said they would “stress there is no time for delays or excuses from all parties on a ceasefire deal” in Gaza.
Katz told his visiting counterparts he expects foreign support “in attacking” Iran if it strikes Israel.