German foreign minister: Wider war in Middle East can be averted

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said there is still time to avert a major military escalation in the Middle East, as Israel braces for attacks by Iran and its regional proxy forces.

"I urgently appeal to everyone in the region to abandon the path of ever-increasing escalation. De-escalation is the order of the day," she wrote on X.

"Another war will only bring new suffering on all sides. There is still a chance to turn things around. Escalation is not automatic," she continued.

Tensions are high after the targeted killings last week of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Both groups have deep ties to Iran.

In response, Iran and its non-state allies - include Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon - have vowed to deliver a punishing attack on Israel.

Amid fears of a widening conflict, many countries, including Germany, are urging citizens to leave Lebanon. Baerbock said that there are still opportunities to get out on commercial flights - and that Germans should make use of them as soon as possible.