(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, JUN 13 - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday urged both Israel and Iran to avoid any "further escalation" after Israel launched a wave of strikes on the Islamic republic. Both sides should refrain from steps that could "destabilise the entire region," said Merz, adding that he had been briefed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the raids and had convened a meeting of Germany's security cabinet. (ANSA-AFP).