After Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's death in Tehran, Iran gears for a 'direct' retaliation attack against Israel. Top Iranian officials are set to meet the representatives of Iran's regional allies from Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen on Thursday to discuss the strategies.
With Haniyeh's 'assassination' on Wednesday, the prospects of a regional war are looming and experts believe that it has already led to instability in the Middle East. The killing of Hezbollah's senior commander on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike has also widened the conflict between Israel, Iran and its proxies.
"Iran and the resistance members will conduct a thorough assessment after the meeting in Tehran to find the best and most effective way to retaliate against the Zionist regime (Israel)," a senior Iranian official was quoted by Reuters.
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Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards are set to attend the meeting.
Hamas and Iran have accused Israel of carrying out the airstrike that killed Haniyeh in Tehran. However, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
Israeli Air Force chief Tomer Bar, speaking at a military graduation ceremony in Israel late on Wednesday, warned Israel will act against anyone planning to harm its citizens."We are also strongly prepared in defence. Hundreds of aerial defence soldiers, along with air control personnel, are stationed across the country with the best systems, ready to carry out their mission," said Bar.
After its leader's death, Hamas' armed wing warned of serious repercussions. However, after nearly 10 months of the Gaza war, it has little capacity to damage Tel Aviv.
As fears of mounting escalation, Iran's acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri spoke with regional counterparts to discuss the concerns.
Kani spoke separately with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
Also, after the elimination of two key targets, Israel on Thursday confirmed the death of Hamas leader Mohammed Deif in the July 13 strike on Khan Younis. However, Hamas has not confirmed the death.
A member of the Hamas political bureau Izzat Al Rishq said that confirming or denying the martyrdom of any of the Qassam leaders is the responsibility of the Qassam Brigades leadership and the movement leadership.”
Unless either of them announces it, no news published in the media or by any other parties can be confirmed,” Al Rishq added.