Middle East tensions soared Saturday as Iran and its allies prepared for retaliation following the assassination of Hamas’s political leader, which was blamed on Israel, raising concerns about a potential regional war.
The United States, an ally of Israel, announced the deployment of warships and fighter jets to the region, while Western governments advised their citizens in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah is located, to evacuate and airlines canceled flights.
The recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s military chief in Beirut have provoked vows of revenge from Iran and the “axis of resistance”.
Iran-supported groups from various Middle Eastern countries have joined the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
On Saturday, Israel engaged in clashes with Hezbollah, conducted a deadly raid in the occupied West Bank, and targeted a school compound in Gaza City, resulting in casualties according to the civil defence agency in Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes have hit several schools serving as displacement shelters in Gaza, with Israel claiming they were used by militants, a claim denied by Hamas.
Haniyeh was buried in Qatar where he had been residing. Israel, accused by Hamas and Iran, has not directly addressed the attacks.
Iran stated that it expects Hezbollah to target deeper into Israel and not just military installations.
In response to escalating tensions, the Pentagon announced an increase in military presence in the Middle East to protect US personnel and support Israel.
An aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln will be deployed along with additional defense-capable cruisers, destroyers, and a new fighter squadron.
Protests were held in Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey denouncing Haniyeh’s killing and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
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Haniyeh’s assassination is part of a series of attacks since April that have raised concerns about a wider conflict in the region.
Britain and the US advised their citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately due to the escalating tensions.
Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for an attack in October that resulted in a war in Gaza and numerous casualties.
Violence has also escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with reports of airstrikes killing civilians.
The war in Gaza has caused widespread destruction and health conditions are deteriorating, with cases of Hepatitis A on the rise.
Hezbollah continued to engage in cross-border fire with Israeli forces, leading to casualties on both sides.
Several airlines have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv in response to the escalating conflict.
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