TEHRAN: Iran and Israel have apparently pulled back from the brink of wider conflict following recent escalations in the Middle East, as both sides show signs of restraint amidst ongoing tensions stemming from Israel’s bombardment campaign in Gaza.
Iran has dismissed as akin to child’s play the reported Israeli retaliation for an unprecedented Iranian strike. But a deadly blast at an Iraqi military base emphasized the high tensions which continue, and witnesses in the besieged Gaza Strip reported more Israeli strikes.
The recent surge in violence began with Iran’s unprecedented strike, launching hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliation for an April 1 Israeli airstrike, which destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus and resulted in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards. Israel had vowed to respond Iranian attack, leading to speculation of broader conflict.
While Iranian media reported blasts in Isfahan province, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian downplayed the incident, characterizing it as insignificant compared to the scale of recent events.
Meanwhile, tensions are high across the Middle East, exemplified by the deadly explosion at an Iraqi military base housing armed groups.
Last weekend, Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel was largely intercepted, leading to minimal damage and no fatalities. However, tensions persist, with Iran citing the April 1 strike on its consulate as justification for its actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces international pressure over civilian casualties in Gaza, with calls for de-escalation from the G7 foreign ministers and United Nations chief Antonio Guterres. Despite these calls, Gaza continues to bear the brunt of Israeli violence, with reports of airstrikes killing civilians, including children.
Efforts to negotiate a truce in Gaza face obstacles, with talks reportedly stalling and humanitarian aid delivery impeded by multiple challenges.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to host Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh for talks on the Gaza conflict. However, the volatile situation in Gaza continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of its residents.
Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 34,049 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the health ministry in the territory. The toll included at least 37 deaths over the previous 24 hours, it said.
In Gaza, the population “faces famine, malnutrition, and infectious disease outbreaks”, the International Rescue Committee charity said. Yet, a UN report on Friday said “multiple obstacles” continue to impede the delivery of urgently needed aid.
