The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated as Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, ordered “intense strikes” on Tehran after accusing Iran of violating a truce brokered by the United States and Qatar. However, Iran swiftly denied the claim, and its top security body announced that Iranian security forces stand ready to respond decisively to any Israeli violations.
According to reports, Iran launched several volleys of missiles at Israel earlier in the day, resulting in at least four fatalities in the southern city of Beersheba. In response, Israel’s military warned that “the danger persists” despite the government’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement.
The situation remains volatile, with Qatar summoning Iran’s envoy to protest an attack on the Al Udeid airbase, which houses American troops. The Qatari foreign ministry condemned the assault as a “flagrant violation of its sovereignty and airspace.”
Analysts suggest that sustainable peace in the region is unlikely without an end to Israel’s war in Gaza. Meanwhile, NGOs have called for an end to militarized humanitarian aid operations in Gaza, citing concerns about the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s (GHF) model and potential complicity in war crimes.
The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 400 people killed and at least 3,056 wounded in Gaza since Israel launched its attack on June 13. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian strikes. The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining a high level of alertness and preparedness for further conflict.