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Iran, Hezbollah should not take advantage of conflict in Middle East — Stoltenberg

"The protection of civilians is essential, and I welcome efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza," the NATO secretary general said

STOCKHOLM, October 24. /TASS/. Iran and the Hezbollah must not take advantage of the conflict in the Middle East, and it is necessary to prevent the conflict from expanding, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a press conference in Stockholm.

"Iran and Hezbollah should not take advantage of the conflict. It is important that this situation does not escalate further," he said.

"Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law. The protection of civilians is essential, and I welcome efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza," Stoltenberg said, underscoring that NATO advocates providing for humanitarian demands of civilians.

The situation in the Middle East has escalated abruptly after an armed infiltration of HAMAS militant from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The HAMAS movement considers this attack a response to the actions of Israeli authorities towards the Al Aqsa Mosque at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Israel announced a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip and started carrying out strikes at the enclave and at certain areas of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes also take place in the West Bank.