Israel and the United States are bracing for retaliatory strikes by Iran and its allies following the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. President Joe Biden assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States’ support “against all threats from Iran,” including its terrorist proxy groups, the White House said. Biden stressed the importance of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
He does not count the killing of Haniyeh, which was attributed to Israel, as this was not helpful in achieving a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. When asked whether the killing of Haniyeh had destroyed the chances of a ceasefire in the Gaza war, Biden replied: “It does not help.”
- Also read: Israel confirmed killing of Hamas military chief Deif
Haniyeh buried in Qatar
Netanyahu had previously warned Iran and its allies against an attack. “We will exact a heavy price for any act of aggression against us, from wherever it may come,” he said at a meeting with commanders, according to his office. The army was put on high alert in anticipation of possible retaliatory strikes. The US news portal “Axios” reported, citing three US officials, that the US government is convinced that Iran will attack Israel in the next few days.
According to Qatari state television, thousands of people gathered in Doha yesterday to attend the funeral ceremony for Haniyeh at the Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque. Haniyeh’s body was then buried in a cemetery in Lusail.
- More on the subject: After Haniyeh’s killing, fears of a wildfire grow
According to a report in the New York Times, Haniyeh was killed by a remote-controlled bomb that was smuggled into the Revolutionary Guard guesthouse where he was staying. The newspaper cites two Iranian and one US government sources as well as four government officials from the region. According to the newspaper, the bomb was planted two months ago. This would explain the minor damage to the building, which can be seen in a photo published by the Tehran municipality newspaper.
No evacuations from Israel
Despite the tense security situation, Austria is not planning any evacuations of citizens from Israel for the time being. Ambassador Nikolaus Lutterotti said this on Thursday. “Austrians in Israel should register on the Foreign Ministry’s website. This way, we can contact them directly by SMS and email if necessary.”
- More on this: AUA suspends flights to Tel Aviv until August 8
The embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran, however, stated that it was urging Austrian travelers to leave Iran as quickly as possible.
Iran: Diplomat as Vice
Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who is considered relatively moderate, has appointed a moderate diplomat as his vice president and advisor.
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Image: APA/AFP/ATTA KENARE
Source: Nachrichten
