The rapid escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has sent sirens blaring internationally warning of an imminent war in the Middle East. This follows Hezbollah’s 200 missile barrage on Israel as revenge for the death of Hassan Nasrallah and Israel’s retaliatory “precision strike” in the Lebanese capital of Beirut. India has cautioned Indian nationals in Iran and the Middle Eastern region to exercise caution and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
“Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran. Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement to the press.
India also issued a vague statement expressing concern regarding the situation in West Asia, however it did not name any countries or parties involved in the conflict.
“We are deeply concerned at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians. It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.”
– Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the “The regime of Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves.”
“They will understand. We will stand by the rule we established: Whoever attacks, we will attack them,” he added.
Following Iran’s missile strike, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is “not looking for war” but pledged a stronger response if Israel retaliates for its missile attack. This statement came after Iran launched around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, marking one of the largest attacks of its kind. The missiles targeted Israeli military and intelligence sites, including the headquarters of Mossad.
The Israeli military reported that eight of its soldiers were killed in combat operations in Lebanon, marking the first loss since its forces crossed the border to target Hezbollah. Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli troops who had “infiltrated” a southern border village.
International Response
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed strong support for Israel but stated he does not support any potential Israeli retaliatory strike on Iranian nuclear sites, fearing that such retaliation could escalate into a full-scale war in the Middle East.
Biden said that the U.S. will impose sanctions on Iran, saying Iran went “way off the board” with its attack.
The U.S. has repeatedly called for de-escalation and has led long-running negotiations on a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza, but so far without success.
Iran’s attack also drew international condemnation, as the Group of Seven Nations (G7) which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, all “unequivocally condemned Iran’s attack against Israel,” according to the White House.
Israel bans UN Secretary General
Israel designated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as ‘persona non grata’ by banning his entry into the Jewish nation criticizing him for failing to condemn Iran for the attacks. However, UN issued a statement saying that the organization will continue to interact with Israel in the hopes of achieving a peaceful resolution.
Guterres had stated in April condemning Iran’s attacks on Israel,” I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”
“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war”
– UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Details of Iran’s Attack
Iran’s missile barrage was a response to the killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan. The attack also followed Israel’s announcement of a ground assault into Lebanon to dismantle what it called Iran-backed Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” in border villages.
Iran launched almost 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel on Tuesday night. Most of the missiles were intercepted, with the only reported casualty being a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank. This was Iran’s second such attack on Israel this year, following a similar attack in April involving about 300 missiles and drones. The U.S. described the recent attack as “nearly twice the scope” of the April attack.
ABC news reported that the U.S. fired missiles to help Israel defend itself against the missile attack, according to Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the attack involved more than 180 missiles. Social media showed missiles flying over the densely populated cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with explosions heard overhead as air defenses intercepted the incoming missiles.
An Israeli strike in central Beirut killed at least six people early on Thursday, marking the first time Israel has struck the area since 2006.
Current Situation in Lebanon
At least five people have been killed and eight wounded in a “targeted” Israeli air strike on a building in central Beirut. The multi-storey building targeted housed a Hezbollah-affiliated health center and is located near Lebanon’s parliament and United Nations Regional Headquarters. Hezbollah has been weakened after two weeks of Israeli strikes and other attacks that have killed more than 1,200 people across Lebanon and displaced around 1.2 million, according to Lebanese authorities.
The IDF stated that soldiers backed by aircraft had “eliminated terrorists and dismantled terrorist infrastructure through precision-guided munitions and close-range engagements” in several southern Lebanese areas. The death of Hassan Nasrallah has likely radicalized the militia, with posters of the struck leader displayed throughout the country.
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Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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