Fears of Middle East War Grow After Hamas Leader’s Killing

AFP/APP

Lebanon: Middle East tensions soared Saturday as a result of Hamas’s political leader assassination, blamed on Israel, spurring fears of a regional war.

US Response: Israel’s ally, the United States, announced it would move warships and fighter jets to the region. The Pentagon said it would bolster its military presence with an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers, destroyers, and a new fighter squadron.

Western governments called on their citizens to leave Lebanon, where the powerful Hezbollah movement is based, and airlines canceled flights.

Regional Tensions

The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah’s military chief in Beirut, triggered vows of vengeance from Iran and the “axis of resistance.”

Military Actions

Israel traded fire with Hezbollah, conducted a deadly raid in the occupied West Bank, and struck a school compound in Gaza City, killing at least 17 people. Israel insisted these facilities were used by militants, while Hamas denied these claims.

Public and Diplomatic Reactions:

Local Impact

 In Beirut, 20-year-old student Diana Abu Aasel expressed fear for her family and friends, saying she might not be able to bear staying in Lebanon if a war breaks out.

Rallies

 Thousands rallied in Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey to denounce Haniyeh’s killing and show solidarity with Palestinians.

Evacuation Urges

 Britain urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately due to the high tension and potential for rapid deterioration. The US embassy advised Americans to leave on “any ticket available.”

Militants have seized 251 hostages, with 111 still held captive in Gaza, including 39 reported dead.

Humanitarian Crisis

The war in Gaza has resulted in the death of at least 39,550 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN reported deteriorating public health conditions, with nearly 40,000 cases of Hepatitis A due to contaminated food and water.

Additional Information:

Hezbollah and Israel: Hezbollah has been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces since October, with clashes continuing. Hezbollah announced the deaths of two of its fighters, including a 17-year-old.

Flight Cancellations: Several airlines have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Air France and Transavia France have halted flights to Beirut, and Turkish Airlines has canceled night-time flights to Tehran.