Fears of Middle East War Grow After Hamas Leader Killed in Iran

### Tensions in the Middle East Escalate Following Assassinations

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Iran and its allies prepare to respond to the assassination of Hamas’ political leader, an act attributed to Israel, sparking fears of a regional war.

In response, the United States announced it would deploy warships and fighter jets to the region. Western governments have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, the base of the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah, and several airlines have canceled flights.

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, just hours after the Israeli killing of Hezbollah’s military chief in Beirut, has incited vows of retaliation from Iran and its allies. These events have heightened fears of a broader conflict as Iran-backed groups from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria have been involved in the nearly 10-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

On Saturday, Israel exchanged fire with Hezbollah, conducted a deadly raid in the West Bank, and struck a school compound in Gaza City, killing at least 17 people according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. Schools used as shelters have been frequently targeted, with Israel claiming they are used by militants, a charge Hamas denies.

Haniyeh was buried in Qatar, where he had been based. Israel, accused by Hamas, Iran, and others of the assassination, has not commented on the matter. Iran stated on Saturday that it expects Hezbollah to strike deeper into Israel, not limiting its targets to military ones.

The Pentagon announced it is increasing its military presence in the Middle East to protect U.S. personnel and defend Israel. This includes deploying an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, additional missile defense-capable ships, and a new fighter squadron.

President Joe Biden, when asked about Iran’s potential reaction, expressed uncertainty but hoped for de-escalation. Shortly afterward, Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israeli settlements, with the Israeli army reporting that most were intercepted without causing injuries.

Concerns are growing in Beirut, with residents fearing for their safety amid the escalating tensions. Demonstrations in Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey have shown solidarity with Palestinians and condemned Haniyeh’s killing.

The assassination is part of a series of attacks since April that have increased fears of a regional conflict. Following Israel’s strike that killed Hezbollah military chief Fouad Shukur, both Britain and the United States have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Canada has advised against travel to Israel due to the unpredictable security situation.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the group’s October 7 attack, which initiated the current Gaza conflict. The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, and led to 251 hostages being taken, with 111 still held in Gaza.

The conflict has caused significant casualties and displacement in Gaza, with at least 39,550 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Efforts to broker a truce and exchange of hostages and prisoners, led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., have been questioned following Haniyeh’s death.

Violence has also surged in the West Bank, with Israeli airstrikes killing nine people on Saturday. The Israeli military stated it had eliminated terrorist cells.

The Gaza war has devastated the region, displacing nearly the entire population and deteriorating public health conditions. The U.N. reported a significant increase in Hepatitis A cases due to contaminated food and water.

Hezbollah has engaged in near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces since the conflict began, claiming to support Hamas. Several airlines, including Air France, Transavia France, and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv due to the escalating situation.