Tensions have escalated in the Middle East after Iran and its backed groups vowed to avenge the killing of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
Israel on Tuesday killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, a move it described as a response to last week’s deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights.
Hours later, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital, while last month Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur was also killed in attacks in Lebanon.
The killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders are the latest of a number of major incidents that have escalated regional tensions during the Gaza war, which has also involved Iran-backed groups from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.
This growth has prompted India and many other countries to tread cautiously in this area.
Indian citizens in Israel have been asked to remain alert and follow security protocols following escalating tensions in the region.
This advice for Indian citizens in Israel comes at a time when just a day earlier, the Indian Embassy in Beirut had strictly advised Indian citizens not to travel to Lebanon until further notice. They were also advised to leave Lebanon.
Air India also yesterday suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel with immediate effect till August 8.
US President Joe Biden said late Thursday that he was “very concerned” about rising tensions in the region, adding that Haniyeh’s killing “did not help” the situation.
Sources close to Hezbollah said Iranian officials met in Tehran on Wednesday with representatives of the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a loose coalition of anti-Israel groups backed by Tehran, to discuss their next steps.
“Two scenarios were discussed: a simultaneous response from Iran and its allies or a separate response from each side,” said a source with knowledge of the meeting who requested anonymity.
Israel said Shukar’s killing was a response to a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights last week. It warned its opponents that they would “pay a heavy price” for any “aggression.”
“Israel is carrying out a very high level of preparation for any situation, whether defensive or offensive,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
