Un Israeli missile killed the leader of Hamas in Tehran, Ismail Haniyeh, who was a guest in a Pasdaran lodging. Alarm in the world for the consequences of the blitz. Russia, China e Arab countries have condemned the Jewish state. The Netanyahu government's action thus implements the strategy of targeted killings and is a humiliation for the image of the Iranian ayatollahs. Tehran prepares the response and mobilizes regional militias from Lebanon to the Yemen to attack Israel. The United States, under Secretary of State Blinken, says it was “neither involved nor informed” and insists on a ceasefire in Gaza as an immediate “imperative.” According to NewsInstead, Khamenei ordered a direct strike against Israel. In Italy, meanwhile, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is ready to report to Parliament. But that's not all, because Israel quickly made it known that last 13th July he was also killed the military leader of Hamas, Mohammed Deif. However, Hamas denied it immediately. In the meantime, Hezbollah announced that the body of military leader Fuad Shukr, killed in an Israeli attack in Beirut, has been found.
Mohammed Deif: Who is the ghost of Gaza?
Mohammed Deif, the "ghost" of Gaza who for years had managed to escape Israel's attempts to eliminate him, has been killed. The Israeli forces (IDF) confirmed this, explaining that what for years was considered between the most bitter enemies of the Jewish State, was hit in a raid on the south of the Strip on July 13th together with the head of the Khan Yunis Brigade of Hamas, Rafa'a Salameh.
The announcement of Deif's death comes exactly 300 days after October 7th massacre and from the taking of the hostages and the aftermath of the killing of Haniyeh. Head of the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades since July 2002, Deif had joined Hamas in 1990 and had survived several Israeli attempts to assassinate him over the past 20 years. In a raid in 2014 he lost his wife and seven-month-old son, while the most recent known attempt to eliminate him dates back to the operation 'Guardian of the Walls' in 2021.
Deif, with whom very few would have had direct contact when he was alive, was considered the mastermind of the strategy rocket fire against Israel and tunnel construction to infiltrate men and weapons. In recent months he had been indicated as the most inflexible opponent of the ceasefire with Israel.
In all this, a senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, Has the Israeli army's announcement was denied: “Deif is well and hears the claims of the occupation (Israel, ed.) about his assassination,” he said, according to reports Yedioth Ahronoth.
Israel-Hamas, Iran closes airspace
Iran would have its airspace closed during the night and is preparing to strike Israel, according to some regional media. Khamenei ordered a direct attack on the Jewish state, the New York Times. The Iranian leader leads the funeral prayers in Tehran for Haniyeh, the Hamas leader killed in the capital by an Israeli missile. Tonight new raids on the Gaza Strip: there are 11 deaths.
Israel-Hamas, Türkiye against Netanyahu
“Israel has killed the prospect of achieving peace.” They are the words spoken by Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, following the killing of the political leader of Hamas. “It is good that they keep this in mind and never forget it, by killing Haniyeh they killed any prospect of achieving peace,” Fidan said. The Turkish Foreign Minister then criticized the US, defining it as a "hostage" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I believe that Netanyahu is aware that he now has the USA in his hands, he is holding them hostage. Now the United States has no choice and has been set up by Netanyahu on the path to a war with Lebanon,” Fidan said.
Israel-Hamas: what we know so far and possible scenarios
Therefore, according to the New York Times, which cites three Iranian officials, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei allegedly ordered a direct strike on Israel. But what are the possible scenarios? Will the Islamic Republic feel like going into direct conflict with enemy number one, as it has already done blandly in recent months? Or will he choose to calm things down by predicting a retaliation that will be spread out over time and perhaps even more dangerous? The Supreme Security Council met a few hours after the news of Haniyeh's death. There is a brake for Iran, and it is the consideration of being closer than ever to nuclear capability, an object of unparalleled deterrence. An opportunity that could suffer irreparable damage if Tehran were to indulge in poorly thought-out reactions. A total flare-up between Iran, Hezbollah and Israel would have incalculable consequences.
The official statements, however, were very harsh. “The Islamic Republic will defend his honor and make the terrorist invaders regret their cowardly action,” thundered President Pezeshkian. While for supreme leader Khamenei "the Zionist regime will face harsh punishment for the assassination of Haniyeh". These voices were joined by those of Tehran's allies around the world. “An absolutely unacceptable political assassination,” he commented Moscow. Beijing she said she was worried because this could lead "to further instability". While from Istanbul President Erdogan he condemned “the treacherous assassination,” suggesting that “with an effort from the Islamic world the terror of Israel will end.”
On the other hand the Usa they were quick to say they were neither informed nor involved in Haniyeh's assassination. With the Secretary of State Antony blinken imperative on the need "for a ceasefire in Gaza". For Europe he expressed himself the German government: “The logic of retaliation in the Middle East is the wrong path.” In Italy, the Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that it is "working to avoid an escalation".
Israel at the UN: "hypocrisy" from the Security Council
Il Israel's representative to the United Nations he accused the UN Security Council of "hypocrisy". The reports it Guardian. “Where were the convictions of Hezbollah and its Iranian suppliers for the massacre of the 12 children?” asked the Israeli representative, recalling the attack on the Golan Heights last week. Israel – he added – carried out a “precise” attack against Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, who he described as a “terrorist with the blood of Israelis and many others on his hands”. Israel "will not stand by and watch", but "will respond with great force against those who harm us", he underlined.
Airlines suspend flights to Israel
United Airlines, Delta Airlines e British Airways will suspend their flights to Israel starting Thursday.” Several Israeli media outlets write this, including The Jerusalem Post e Ynet, according to which the decision comes in a context of growing tension in the region after the raids in Iran and Lebanon. United Airlines, which operates 14 weekly flights to Tel Aviv, has informed its customers of the cancellation of flights for the next few days. Likewise Delta Airlines has announced cancellations for the next 48 hours. British Airways has also decided to suspend flights, however, it is unclear whether this suspension will last one day or extend up to 48 hours.
(Last update: 17.20pm on 1 August 2024)
