EU, Western leaders warn of ‘spillover’ from Israel-Hamas conflict

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has joined other Western officials in warning that the risk of regional “spillover” from the Israel-Hamas war was “real” after US and other international forces in the region faced increasing threat of attacks.

“We have seen the Arab streets fill with rage all across the region. So, the risk of a regional spillover is real,” the European Commission chief said, adding that “Iran, Hamas’ patron, only wants to fuel the fire of chaos.” Speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington, Von Der Leyen also said dialogue between Israel and its neighbors must continue.

Her warning comes after US forces in the region had faced increasing threats and American bases in Iraq and Syria were repeatedly targeted by drone attacks, most recently on Thursday evening.
A US navy destroyer in the northern Red Sea also intercepted three missiles and several drones that were launched by Houthi forces in Yemen

Earlier, Von der LeyeE sought to defend her recent trip to Israel by positing that “there is no contradiction in standing in solidarity with Israel and acting on the humanitarian needs of Palestinians.”