Tensions in the region continue to rise as the Israeli military and Lebanon’s Hezbollah escalate their attacks. On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the situation is as follows:
Bombardments and fighting
Israeli air strikes have targeted central Gaza, resulting in casualties and damage. The Israeli military reported hitting over 60 targets in Gaza, while authorities in the enclave stated that at least 25 people were hospitalized due to the attacks. In a separate incident, five Palestinians were killed and more than 30 injured in a bombing in central Gaza City. Additionally, five Palestinians were injured in an attack by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Politics and diplomacy
Countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Norway are inching closer to recognizing a Palestinian state. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez discussed this development during a meeting. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal vowed to continue the fight for a free Palestine following the death of members of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s family in an Israeli air strike.
Regional tensions
Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions in southern Lebanon, escalating the conflict. The Israeli army responded by targeting a Hezbollah military compound. In a separate incident, a vessel was seized by “regional authorities” northeast of the United Arab Emirates, with concerns that Iran may be involved. The United States has deployed warships to protect Israel and its own forces in the Middle East amid fears of a direct attack by Iran. Italy and Australia have urged restraint and taken precautions to avoid escalating tensions in the region.
German airline Lufthansa has suspended flights to and from Tehran, while Australian airline Qantas has rerouted flights to avoid Iranian airspace.