Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted advisories for Indian nationals as Iran and the groups it supports vowed revenge for the recent killings of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
Israel recently killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, stating it was a response to last week’s deadly rocket fire on the annexed Golan Heights. This was followed by the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Lebanon. These actions have further inflamed regional tensions, drawing in Iran-backed groups from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
In response to the escalating situation, India has issued several advisories for its citizens. Indian nationals in Israel have been urged to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols due to the heightened risk. The Indian Embassy in Beirut strongly advised against traveling to Lebanon and recommended that those already in the country leave immediately.
Adding to the precautions, Air India has suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, until August 8, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
US President Joe Biden expressed his concern about the rising tensions, noting that the killing of Haniyeh had “not helped” to de-escalate the conflict.
Sources close to Hezbollah revealed that Iranian officials met in Tehran with representatives of the “axis of resistance” to discuss their next steps. According to an anonymous source briefed on the meeting, two potential responses were considered: a simultaneous retaliation from Iran and its allies or a staggered response from each party.
Israel, which justified Shukr’s assassination as a response to rocket attacks, has warned its adversaries of severe repercussions for any aggression. “Israel is at a very high level of preparation for any scenario, both defensive and offensive,” stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As the situation develops, Indian nationals in the region are urged to stay informed and adhere to official advisories to ensure their safety.
