The Federal Chancellor has condemned Iran's recent attacks on Israel's national territory. "This constitutes a severe escalation of the situation, and it is not acceptable, understandable or tolerable in any way," said the Federal Chancellor in a press statement delivered during his trip to China.

"We strongly condemn the Iranian attack and warn against any further escalation. Iran must not continue on this path. At the same time, it is absolutely clear for us that we are in solidarity with Israel, which has every right to defend itself following the horrific attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas last October."

The German Government will do everything possible to prevent further escalation, said the Federal Chancellor, "but we can only warn everyone, particularly Iran, not to continue like this".

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also criticised Iran's attacks in the strongest terms, saying that Iran had drawn the entire Middle East to the brink of an abyss with its attacks. However, she added, Israel's capacities have shown that it is strong and able to protect itself. Baerbock called on everyone involved to act level-headedly. She stated that Germany was consulting closely with its partners, and that the spiral of escalation must be broken.

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