The Middle East is on edge as Iran issued a stern warning to Israel on Thursday, cautioning against any retaliatory attacks following a recent missile exchange. The commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, took to a televised speech to deliver this message, emphasizing Iran's capability to penetrate Israel's defenses and launch a painful counterattack if provoked.
These tensions have been escalating since the missile barrage on October 1, which Iran claims was in response to Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran-allied militias. The situation worsened as Israel intensified its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, a move that has heightened fears of a broader conflict in the region.
In the latest developments, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed Israel's military operations in Lebanon and Gaza with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, signaling continued U.S. support for Israel amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials, attempting to navigate the growing instability during a sensitive Middle Eastern tour.
The European Union has also stepped into the fray, hosting its first summit with Gulf states and issuing a statement urging calm. \"We underscore the importance of diplomatic engagement with Iran – to pursue regional de-escalation,\" the EU statement read.
Despite international calls for ceasefires, Israel shows no signs of slowing its military campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The most recent incident occurred when an Israeli airstrike destroyed the municipal headquarters in a major town in southern Lebanon, killing 16 people on Wednesday and wounding over 50. Lebanese officials condemned the attack, stating it was the first time Israel targeted an official state building in Lebanon since the campaign began.
\"The Israelis intentionally targeted a meeting of the municipal council to discuss the city's service and relief situation,\" caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said, highlighting the impact on civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict. This incident marks a significant shift in Israel's campaign, now directly targeting Lebanese state institutions.
Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Yemen's Houthis, and armed groups in Iraq, remain steadfast in their resistance against Israel's advances. Their unified stance underscores the complex web of alliances and hostilities that continue to fuel the conflict.
Janez Lenarcic, EU's commissioner for crisis management, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation. \"Israel's brutal response to last year's Hamas attack has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza that is now continuing in Lebanon,\" Lenarcic stated at an ASEAN event in Jakarta. He criticized the targeting of humanitarian workers and the insufficient provision of aid, which has left many in dire need.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation and mitigate the humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
