France, US call for self-restraint in Mideast

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne spoke with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the prospects of establishing ceasefire in Gaza. In a phone conversation on Saturday, they urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and work for deescalating the regional tension, according to a statement by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. They discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and surge humanitarian aid to Gaza. They stressed the importance of preventing further escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the challenges posed by threats from Iran, the statement added. Source: Kuwait News Agency