As Israeli military operations continue in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, international efforts to broker a ceasefire and prevent a larger regional conflict involving Iran and its allies are intensifying. However, as more casualties are reported and more civilians are displaced in Gaza, Hamas has remained skeptical of the latest round of negotiations and is calling for more action from mediators to hold Israel accountable for its aggression. Meanwhile, tensions are rising as the US deploys a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and Israel prepares for potential retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah after the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran.
Tensions rise as Iran promises to take severe action against Israel for the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran. The US shows its support for Israel while hoping that any retaliation from Iran will not disrupt ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are urged to hold talks on August 15 to find a resolution. Iran's UN mission clarifies that their response is not connected to the ceasefire and reaffirms their right to defend themselves.
On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1300 points, reaching an eight-week low as a result of weak US economic data and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The latest data showed that July's S&P Global Services Purchasing Manager and Composite indices ticked downwards, while the ISM Services PMI for July saw a slight increase. Fears of a broad recession loom for the US economy as Iran is expected to retaliate against Israel for the recent assassination of two of its militant leaders.
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.
Tensions have reached a critical point in the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues. Following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah's military chief in Beirut, Saudi Arabia has called for their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The situation remains volatile as Iran and its allies vow to retaliate, causing fears of a regional war as the US moves warships and fighter jets to the area.
Following the escalating tension in the Middle East, Air India has announced the suspension of scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8. In addition, the Israeli army confirmed the death of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif in an airstrike last month, while Hamas and Iran report the killing of Palestinian movement's chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has not commented on the claim. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has confirmed Deif's death in the strike, stating that he was the "Osama bin Laden of Gaza".
Following two high-profile assassinations in the Middle East, attributed to Israel by Iranian officials, the country held a meeting with its proxy groups to plan a response. At a funeral for Hezbollah's "No.2" commander, the group's leader warned that Israel would face "rage and revenge on all the fronts supporting Gaza" for crossing a "red line." This news highlights the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the impact of these developments on the Middle East.
According to Iranian officials, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has given the order to strike Israel directly after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has been accused of assassination by both Iran and Hamas, although they have not confirmed or denied the claims. This comes amid increased tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran attempting to balance pressure through attacks by its allies while avoiding all-out war. This latest order is seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The assassination of Palestinian leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran by an alleged Israeli strike has plunged the Middle East into further turmoil. Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, confirmed Haniyeh's death and vowed to seek retribution. The move has been condemned by Iran's Revolutionary Guards and analysts say it may have been a message from Israel towards the Iranian regime. Hamas has promised to continue fighting for the liberation of Jerusalem, while the world watches on in anticipation of further escalation in the region.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is speaking out against tech giant Meta for removing a Facebook post paying tribute to slain Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh. The leader was in Iran for a presidential ceremony when he was assassinated in a rocket attack. Hamas has condemned the act as an assassination and placed blame on Israel, which has not confirmed or denied involvement. The post, which garnered condemnation from world leaders, including Anwar Ibrahim, was quickly removed from Facebook.