Fears are escalating that conflict in the Middle East could widen, prompting the US to advise its citizens to depart Lebanon using any means possible.
The UK, Sweden, France, Canada, and Jordan have all issued a warning that is alike.
Iran has promised a strong response to Israel for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which it attributes to the country. His murder occurred shortly after Israel carried out the killing of Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
There are concerns that Hezbollah, a group based in Lebanon and supported by Iran, could have a significant impact on any potential retaliation, leading to a strong response from Israel.
- Rocket attack brings Israel and Hezbollah close to full-scale war.
- Hezbollah leader declares conflict with Israel in a ‘new stage’ following deaths.
- US is planning to deploy fighter jets and naval vessels in response to Iran’s warning towards Israel.
Hezbollah fired numerous rockets towards the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel at approximately 00:25 local time on Sunday (21:25 GMT Saturday).
Video shared on social platforms displayed Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system blocking the rockets. No casualties have been reported.
The air force of Israel retaliated by attacking objectives in the southern region of Lebanon.
Two individuals lost their lives in a stabbing incident in Holon, Israel, on Sunday morning. Police stated that the attacker was later “neutralised”.
The US embassy advised on Saturday that individuals who decide to remain in Lebanon should make “contingency plans” and be ready to “shelter in place for a long time.”
Multiple airlines have halted and axed flights, with some fully booked, but there are still available commercial transport options to depart Lebanon.
The Pentagon announced it would send more navy ships and combat aircraft to the area to support Israel against potential assaults from Iran and its allies.
The UK announced additional military personnel, consular staff, and border force officials would be sent to assist with evacuations in Lebanon. UK citizens were advised to depart the country while commercial flights are still available.
There are already two British military vessels in the area, and the Royal Air Force has prepared transport helicopters for immediate use.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned that the situation in the region may worsen quickly.
In Gaza, the authorities of Hamas stated that at least 17 individuals were killed in a school where displaced persons were seeking shelter as a result of an Israeli attack.
The Israeli military claims that militants were using the Hamama school in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood as a command center. Hamas has refuted allegations that it operates from civilian facilities.
Israeli ministers were sent home this weekend with satellite phones in case of a potential attack on Israel’s communication infrastructure.
In the month of April, Iran carried out an air strike on Israel with a total of 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and a minimum of 110 ballistic missiles.
That was in response to the Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.
A lot of people are worried that Iran might respond in a similar way in this situation.
During a phone conversation on Friday, Acting Foreign Minister of Iran, Ali Baqeri Kani, informed EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell that Iran would definitely exercise its natural and lawful authority to retaliate against Israel.
On Friday, a presenter on Iranian state television cautioned that “the world would see remarkable events”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned Israelis about the difficult days that are yet to come. We have received threats from every direction. We are ready for all possible situations.
Conflicts between Israel and Iran first increased after 12 children and teens were killed in an attack on the Golan Heights, which is under Israeli control.
Israel accused Hezbollah and promised “harsh” revenge, while Hezbollah denied any involvement.
Several days afterwards, an Israeli air strike targeted and killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Four additional individuals, including a pair of young children, also lost their lives.
Hours later, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran, the primary supporter of Hamas. He was in town to participate in the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has warned that Israel will face severe consequences for the act of killing.
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