Iran has refused to heed western calls to refrain from retaliating against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The country’s foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the demand as contrary to international law. President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the west’s silence on Israeli attacks in the region for encouraging further violence.
Amidst escalating tensions, the White House warned of potential attacks by Iran and its allies, prompting the deployment of military support to Israel. Analysts predict that Iran will likely respond to Israeli strikes but will aim to avoid a full-scale war. Options for retaliation include leveraging proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza.
In Israel, far-right parties oppose a ceasefire in Gaza, with national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir leading a controversial visit to a holy site in Jerusalem. This provocative act was seen as an attempt to disrupt peace negotiations.
The conflict in Gaza has claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives, with Hamas initiating the war by attacking Israeli communities. Pressure for a ceasefire has intensified following a deadly airstrike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians.
With the situation in the Middle East on a knife-edge, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation and find a path towards peace. As tensions simmer, the world watches closely to see how the situation will evolve.
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