Middle East tensions escalate as Iran-Israel conflict widens

www.mangaloretoday.com

New Delhi, August 4, 2024: Tensions in the Middle East have surged following the assassination of key leaders from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, with Israel being blamed for the attacks. The recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah’s military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut have heightened calls for vengeance.

Hezbollah has engaged in nearly daily cross-border skirmishes with Israeli forces since October, claiming to support Hamas. The group has launched multiple Katyusha rockets at the Israeli settlement of Beit Hillel, and Iran anticipates Hezbollah will target deeper into Israel, moving beyond just military sites.

In response to the escalating conflict, the US, UK, Australia, and France have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, and airlines have suspended flights. Canada has advised against all travel to Israel due to the heightened risk.

Indian nationals in Israel have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. This advisory follows a similar warning from the Indian Embassy in Beirut, urging Indian nationals to avoid travel to Lebanon and to leave if already present.

The Pentagon has announced an increase in its military presence in the Middle East to safeguard US personnel and support Israel.

Haniyeh’s assassination, who was Hamas’s chief negotiator, casts doubt on the ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US to secure a truce and facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that adversaries would "pay a very high price" for any aggression, emphasizing that Israel is fully prepared for all possible scenarios, both defensive and offensive.