Tensions in the Middle East surged on Saturday as Iran and its allies prepared to respond to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, an act blamed on Israel. This development has raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States announced the deployment of warships and fighter jets to the region. Western governments have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, home to the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, and several airlines have cancelled flights to the area.
Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran, which followed the killing of Hezbollah’s military chief in Beirut by Israel, has prompted vows of retaliation from Iran and its allies. The “axis of resistance” – comprising Iran-backed groups from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria – has already been involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza for nearly ten months.
On Saturday, Israel exchanged fire with Hezbollah, conducted a deadly raid in the occupied West Bank, and attacked a school compound in Gaza City, killing at least 17 people according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. Numerous schools, now serving as displacement shelters, have been hit in recent weeks, with Israel claiming they were used by militants, a charge Hamas denies.
Haniyeh, based in Qatar, was buried on Friday. While Hamas, Iran, and others have accused Israel of the attack, Israel has not directly commented.
The Pentagon has announced an increased military presence in the Middle East to protect US personnel and defend Israel. This includes deploying an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln and additional missile defense-capable ships and fighter squadrons.
US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran would stand down but acknowledged uncertainty. Shortly after, Hezbollah launched Katyusha rockets at the Israeli settlement of Beit Hillel in response to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon that injured civilians. Hezbollah also reported the deaths of two of its fighters.
In Beirut, 20-year-old student Diana Abu Aasel voiced fears for her family and friends, expressing uncertainty about staying in Lebanon if conflict escalates. Thousands rallied in Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey to denounce Haniyeh’s killing and show solidarity with Palestinians.
Haniyeh’s death, following a series of recent attacks, has heightened fears of a regional war. Both the UK and the US have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.
Israel remains committed to destroying Hamas in retaliation for the unprecedented October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures. Hamas militants also took 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza.
The war in Gaza has claimed at least 39,550 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Haniyeh, Hamas’s lead negotiator for ending the conflict, was pivotal in efforts to broker a truce and exchange hostages, casting doubt on the future of these negotiations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Middle East situation with his French and British counterparts, emphasizing the need for restraint. Violence has also escalated in the West Bank, with Israeli airstrikes killing nine people.
The war has caused widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza, with nearly 40,000 cases of Hepatitis A reported due to deteriorating public health conditions.
Hezbollah’s near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces continues, supporting Hamas. Several airlines, including Air France and Transavia France, have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Turkish Airlines also cancelled its night-time flights to Tehran for the second consecutive night.
