London, Aug 12 (Reporter) The United States, France and Germany have called on Iran to refrain from further actions which might escalate the situation in the Middle East, the joint statement, published by the UK government on Monday. “We call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages. They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East,” the statement read. The countries’ leaders said they are concerned by the tense developments in the region and are united in “commitment to de-escalation and regional stability.” “We, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, welcome the tireless work of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” the parties said in the statement. Palestinian movement Hamas has refused an invitation from the United States, Qatar and Egypt to participate in the final round of talks with Israel on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, scheduled for August 15, the Axios portal reported, citing the movement's statement. Last week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi announced that Egypt, Qatar, and the US had issued a statement urging Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire talks on August 14-15. The leaders of the three countries expressed readiness to present a final proposal to secure a ceasefire. In late July, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an airstrike on a residential building in the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Meanwhile, the political leader of Palestinian movement Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in his residence in Tehran shortly afterwards. The Palestinian movement accused Israel of killing Haniyeh and vowed to retaliate. NBC News has reported, citing an unnamed Israeli official, that the Jewish state was preparing for a potential prolonged attack by both Hamas and Hezbollah keen to avenge the deaths of their leaders. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took more than 200 hostages. According to Israel, about 1,200 people were killed. The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 39,790, according to the enclave's health ministry...////...