Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran, Israel and the USA are bracing for possible retaliation from Iran and its proxies. US President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of unwavering support against threats from Iran, including its affiliated groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. Biden emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation in the region.
High Alert and Military Readiness
In response to potential threats, Netanyahu warned Iran and its allies against any acts of aggression, stating that Israel would exact a heavy price. The Israeli military has been put on high alert, with maximum readiness to defend against possible attacks. According to the US news portal “Axios,” American officials believe that an Iranian attack on Israel could occur in the coming days.
Hamas Declares “Day of Rage”
Hamas has called for a “Day of Rage” in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, urging Palestinians to protest against the assassination of Haniyeh. The circumstances of Haniyeh’s death remain unclear, with Hamas blaming Israel, which has not yet commented. Haniyeh is set to be buried in Doha, Qatar, after a funeral in Tehran.
Hezbollah and Iran’s Response
In Beirut, Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was also killed by an Israeli airstrike, further escalating tensions. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared a new phase in the conflict, warning of “anger and revenge” against Israel. The Israeli military has reported intercepting rockets fired by Hezbollah from southern Lebanon, with no injuries reported. In retaliation, the Israeli air force bombed the launch site in southern Lebanon.
Global Reactions and Security Measures
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the assassination and declared a national day of mourning. He accused Israel of escalating the conflict to the entire region. Meanwhile, the European Union expressed concern over the escalating tensions, condemning the assassinations and calling for de-escalation and restraint.
Impact on Air Travel and International Response
Due to security concerns, Lufthansa and its associated airlines have canceled flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. The European Union emphasized its support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and called for adherence to international law and respect for human rights. The situation remains volatile as the international community watches closely.