US, European Diplomats to Tackle Mideast Tensions Thursday in Paris

Top diplomats from the United States, Britain, Germany, France, and Italy are set to meet in Paris on Thursday to address the escalating tensions in the Middle East, sources revealed on Wednesday.

The gathering comes amid increasing fears of a broader regional conflict, as violence in Gaza intensifies and Lebanon experiences two days of explosive attacks, which Hezbollah has blamed on Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join his counterparts from these allied nations in the French capital following talks in Cairo focused on a possible truce in Gaza.

Blinken’s visit aims to revive stalled negotiations, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that a ceasefire in Gaza would be the most effective way to prevent further violence from spreading throughout the region.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who confirmed his attendance, also noted that discussions would include the ongoing war in Ukraine.