Western Balkans countries call for de-escalation in Middle East after Iran's missile attack on Israel

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Western Balkans countries on Wednesday called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East following the Iranian missile attack on Israel.

Montenegro's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the aggravation of the conflict in the Middle East.

"Montenegro calls for urgent de-escalation, attacks on civilians are unacceptable. Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through full respect and adherence to international humanitarian law by all," said the ministry.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon strongly condemned the escalation of the conflict with Iran’s attack on Israel.

"What we see in the region is escalation instead of de-escalation. New fires instead of a cease-fire. What we need is a cease-fire and restraint from all sides," said Fajon.

"This has to stop," Fajon added.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that his country supports Israel's right to self-defense.

"A year after the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks, the ongoing rise in violence is alarming. We support Israel's right to defend itself and all efforts to achieve an immediate cease-fire," said Kurti.

North Macedonia described Iran's missile attack as a “terrorist attack against civilians."

"We strongly condemn the Iranian missile attack on Israel and the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, resulting in seven civilians being killed. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirm our call for de-escalation," said the Foreign Ministry.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric said his country calls for peace and security to end the violence.

"We call for an end to the violence and for the international community to unite in support of peace and security. We stand with the Jewish people in this challenging time," said Duric.

The Croatian Foreign Ministry said that Iran's attack is a clear sign of the need for a political solution to the current crisis.

"Croatia strongly condemns Iran’s indiscriminate attack against Israel and its citizens. This latest grave escalation once more underlines the need for a political solution to the current crisis," said the Ministry.

In response to Israel's recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, and amid its ground operation into Lebanon, Iran late Tuesday fired hundreds of missiles at Israel.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported damage to a building in northern Tel Aviv from a missile strike, while the Israeli emergency service said three people were injured by Iranian missiles in Tel Aviv, local Maariv daily reported.

A Palestinian worker from the Gaza Strip was killed due to the falling of “missiles and shrapnel” while in Jericho in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the missile attack had been largely ineffective. The US had vowed to help intercept the missiles.