South Korea expresses "deep concern" over the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East and urges all parties to exercise restraint. South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said in a statement, "we strongly urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and hope that diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, including ceasefire and negotiations on the release of hostages, will continue without interruption," according to Yonhap News Agency. Tensions increased in the region after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, who had been leading the negotiations for ceasefire in Gaza. Arab and Muslim countries condemned the assassination of Haniyeh, warning that assassinations and the violation of nations' sovereignty will lead to further chaos and undermine the chances of peace in the Middle East. Source: Qatar News Agency