Iran and Israel Conflict Escalates
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a provocative statement indicating that Israel is 'on the path' to 'destruction.' During a speech to mark the 35th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei praised the October 7 attack by Hamas, calling it a 'decisive blow to the Zionist regime.' This attack, which came at the 'right time' according to Khamenei, has led to unprecedented tensions in the region.
The attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,190 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians. According to the Israeli army, approximately 250 people were taken hostage, with 120 still held in Gaza and 37 confirmed dead. Since the onset of conflict, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israeli bombings and operations in the Gaza Strip, as per the Gaza Health Ministry led by Hamas.
International Reactions to Ongoing Conflict
Amid escalating violence, Israeli forces have launched extensive military operations in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the war would only end with the 'destruction' of Hamas. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden revealed a truce proposal transmitted to Hamas through Qatari mediation. The three-phase plan includes a six-week truce, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from densely populated areas, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
The proposal was met with 'positive' reactions from Hamas. Despite this, Netanyahu remains firm that the 'destruction' of Hamas's military and governance capabilities, the release of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat are essential conditions for ending the war.
The peace proposal has garnered positive international feedback, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressing optimism. They urged both sides to seize the opportunity to achieve 'lasting peace in the Middle East.' However, the ground realities in Gaza remain grim. The UN World Food Program has described the situation as 'apocalyptic,' highlighting the humanitarian crisis faced by residents due to the ongoing conflict.
- Iran has long been a supporter of Hamas and other groups within the 'axis of resistance' in the Middle East. Tehran's support for Hamas is part of its broader opposition to Israel, which it does not recognize as a state.
- Israel's extensive military operations have significantly impacted the Gaza Strip, displacing millions and leading to severe humanitarian issues. The UN frequently warns about the risk of famine and the urgent need for humanitarian aid, which has been hampered due to the closure of the Rafah border crossing.
- The international community continues to watch the unfolding events closely, with concerns about the long-term implications for regional stability and the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
