The Iranian missile attacks on Israel must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. They threaten a further escalation of the already tense situation in the Middle East.

Iran is risking setting the entire region on fire - this must be prevented at all costs. Hezbollah and Iran must immediately stop their attacks on Israel.

It was only thanks to the Israeli air defense forces and its allies that Iran's attack was largely repelled yesterday. Together with our partners, we will continue to work to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Such a ceasefire must be the beginning of the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which clearly states that Hezbollah must withdraw from the border area with Israel.

This would pave the way for the return of people to northern Israel and at the same time open up a perspective for consolidating Lebanon's statehood.

Today, a few days before the anniversary of Hamas's terrible attack on Israel, our thoughts are with the hostages and their families.

Their fate must be an incentive for everyone to reach an agreement based on the proposals made by US President Biden.