Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, Iran and its allied groups have issued threats against Israel, raising fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

This incident comes on the heels of an Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah military leader Fouad Chokr near Beirut, further intensifying the conflict.

In response to Haniyeh's killing, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered military retaliation against Israel, framing it as a duty.

As tensions rise, the Israeli government has closed its airspace for security reasons, although Ben Gurion and Ramon International Airports remain operational.

Tens of thousands of Israelis are currently stranded abroad, primarily in Europe and the United States, due to the ongoing conflict.

General Michel Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Israel to discuss the regional crisis, highlighting the international concern over the situation.

During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel and discussed troop deployments to bolster defense capabilities.

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, nearing 40,000, as families of hostages appeal to Netanyahu for their release amid the ongoing violence.

In Israel, the conflict has resulted in 47 deaths, including 25 civilians and 12 children, underscoring the human toll of the violence.

The UK has deployed experts and military personnel to assist with a potential evacuation of citizens from Lebanon due to fears of a broader conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.

Despite the inevitability of Iranian retaliation, there are hopes for a response that avoids provoking immediate Israeli retaliation.

This escalation occurs nearly ten months into an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which was initiated following a significant Hamas attack on southern Israel.