The French and US foreign ministers called on all sides in the Middle East “to exercise the utmost restraint” to prevent a regional conflict, AFP reports according to France’s foreign ministry.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne discussed the rising tension in the region by telephone with his US counterpart Antony Blinken, said a ministry spokesman.

“They agreed to continue to call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent any regional conflagration that would have devastating consequences for the countries in the region”, he added.

They will also continue their joint efforts for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the spokesman added.

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