Hamas leader assassinated; Iran threatens retaliation, escalating tensions in the Middle East | WPN World People News

Ismail Haniyeh, a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, was killed by an Israeli strike in Iran on July 31. Hamas has vowed not to let this incident go unpunished, raising concerns about the Gaza conflict potentially escalating into a broader Middle Eastern war. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Tehran is responsible for avenging Haniyeh. Following Iran's threats of retaliation against Israel, the White House expressed concern that rising tensions could lead to a wider Middle Eastern war.

Prior to this assassination, Fuad Shukr, a top military commander of Lebanon's Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The strike was reportedly in retaliation for a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Iran and Hamas accused Israel of launching a fatal airstrike on Haniyeh, but Israel has not commented on the matter.

Barbara Woodward, the UK Ambassador to the United Nations, urged all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Woodward emphasized the need for Israel and Hamas to recommit to the peace process and work towards a two-state solution to establish a secure Israel and a sovereign Palestinian state.

While Khamenei has threatened retaliation against Israel, it remains unclear how strongly Iran will respond or whether it will adjust its actions to avoid further escalation. Iranian officials have suggested that Iran is considering using drones and missiles to target military sites near Tel Aviv and Haifa, but they aim to avoid civilian casualties.

Khamenei, who has the final say on all matters in Iran and serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has instructed military commanders to prepare attack and defense plans in case the conflict escalates and Israel or the U.S. attacks Iran. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby stated at a daily press briefing that the U.S. does not believe the region is headed for full-scale conflict and is working to prevent such an outcome.