Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a boiling point following the back-to-back assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and a Hezbollah military chief. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, Iran has declared its "legal right" to punish Israel. The US has rushed to offer support to its ally as fears of major military action from Iran and its allies mount. This comes after a decades-long shadow war between the two regional foes escalated with the events of the past 10 months, including Hamas attacks on Israel and Iran's support for the Palestinian group.
Escalating Tensions Between Iran and Israel: A Shadow War Intensifies
The recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and a Hezbollah military chief have brought tensions between Iran and Israel to a boiling point. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the killings, Iran has vowed retribution, raising fears of a major military confrontation.
Historical Context
Tensions between Iran and Israel have been simmering for decades, rooted in ideological, geopolitical, and religious differences.
Escalation in Recent Years
In recent years, tensions have escalated due to several factors:
Current Crisis
The double assassinations have pushed tensions to a new high. Iran has accused Israel of being behind the killings and has vowed to avenge the deaths. The US has expressed support for Israel, while European countries have called for restraint on both sides. Fears are growing that a military conflict could erupt, dragging in other regional powers.
FAQs
1. Who is responsible for the assassinations? Israel has not claimed responsibility, but Iran has blamed Israel.
2. What is Iran's response? Iran has vowed to punish Israel for the killings, but the exact nature of its response is unknown.
3. What is the US's role? The US has expressed support for Israel and has warned Iran against any military action.
4. Will there be a military conflict? The risk of a military conflict is high, but both Iran and Israel have also expressed a desire to avoid a full-scale war.
5. What is the international community's response? European countries and the United Nations have called for restraint on both sides and urged a diplomatic solution.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a significant drop in minimum temperatures across several regions of the country, including Delhi, North India, and the Western Himalayan region, in the first few days of the new year. This comes as the national capital witnessed intermittent rainfall and recorded its highest December rainfall in 15 years. The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for more showers over the weekend, and dense fog is expected in several parts of the country.
Daily life in Rajasthan is disrupted as a Western Disturbance brings rainfall and a dip in temperatures, with dense fog blanketing several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 15 districts and a yellow alert for six, warning of persistent dense fog for the next three days. The adverse weather has caused travel difficulties and disrupted daily activities, with residents advised to stay updated on weather advisories and take precautions.
The holiday spirit is in full swing in Hanoi, as the city gears up for Christmas celebrations. Beyond the festivities and gift-giving, the true essence of Christmas - a symbol of hope and peace - is embraced by people of all backgrounds. From religious believers to non-religious individuals, the universal spirit of Christmas brings people together in a celebration of kindness, love, and inclusivity.
Following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, President Ilham Aliyev has declared a national day of mourning to honor the victims. The Embraer 190 passenger plane was operating a Baku-Grozny flight when it crashed near Aktau Airport. Despite learning of the accident during his own flight, President Aliyev immediately ordered his plane to return and has since issued an official order for the day of mourning.
A passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Kazakhstan's city of Aktau, with at least 30 people feared dead. The exact number of casualties is still unconfirmed, but 32 passengers have been reported to survive. The plane, bound for Grozny, Russia, was rerouted due to fog before crashing and catching fire. Emergency services have put out the fire and the government has formed a commission to investigate the cause of the crash. Leaders of both Azerbaijan and Chechnya have expressed condolences and prayers for the victims.
A passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, leading to the deaths of 42 individuals. The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, was carrying 67 passengers and 5 crew members. According to initial reports, the plane made an emergency landing attempt which resulted in a fiery crash, leaving 25 survivors who have been hospitalized. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
A passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, killing 42 people and leaving at least 25 survivors. The Embraer aircraft, with 67 people on board including crew members, was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing due to fog in Grozny, the capital of Russia's Chechnya. The cause of the crash is still being investigated by Kazakh authorities, but initial reports point to a possible technical problem.
The Delhi Police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of Christmas, warning commuters about possible diversions and restrictions due to the large footfall expected at popular areas like Select City Mall in Saket. Security personnel have been deployed across the city to handle disruptions and ensure a smooth flow of traffic during the celebrations. While some churches in the city, like the Sacred Heart Cathedral, saw a decrease in the number of visitors last year, traffic management measures have been put in place to accommodate the expected heavy crowds. With Christmas Eve and Day being observed as public holidays, it’s advised for commuters to plan their routes accordingly and watch out for potential drunk driving.
Santa Cruz Wharf in California collapsed during a high surf on Monday, sending three people into the water. The public has been warned to stay away from the area as strong winds and storms are expected to hit the US West Coast this week. Two of the three people were rescued by lifeguards, while the third person managed to swim to safety. Videos and photos of the incident have been shared online, showing the extent of the damage caused by the storm.
While Ukraine's army fights fiercely on the battlefield, President Zelensky is fighting a different kind of war in the Western world - an information war. Through a series of carefully crafted speeches, he is seeking international support for his country's ongoing conflict with Russia. With a charismatic and urgent message, Zelensky invokes key historical events and national mottos to draw attention to Ukraine's plight and rally support for its cause.