Intensifying Diplomacy: Efforts to Halt Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalation

International diplomacy to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a larger regional conflict is intensifying. The British and French foreign ministers visited Israel while cease-fire talks continued in Qatar. Fears of Iranian and Hezbollah retaliation remain high. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are mediating, with significant work still ahead.

Efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from escalating into a wider regional conflict intensified on Friday, with British and French foreign ministers visiting Israel and cease-fire talks in Qatar entering their second day.

The push for ending hostilities comes as the Palestinian death toll in Gaza surpasses 40,000, with fears that Iran and Hezbollah militants might retaliate against Israel for the killings of top militant leaders.

"This is a dangerous moment for the Middle East," said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné emphasized the urgency, stating, "We must at all costs avoid a regional war."

(With inputs from agencies.)