What's happened
On October 26, 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on military sites in Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. U.S. President Biden expressed hope that this would end a cycle of violence, while Iranian officials downplayed the attacks. The situation remains precarious as both nations face pressure from hardliners.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Emma Graham-Harrison in The Guardian, President Biden expressed hope that Israel's strikes would mark the end of escalating violence, stating, "I hope this is the end." However, Iranian officials dismissed the attacks as causing only "limited damage," indicating a potential for continued hostilities. Jon Gambrell from The Independent noted that the Israeli military targeted missile production facilities, emphasizing that the strikes were a response to Iran's previous attacks on Israel. The contrasting narratives highlight the precarious balance of power and the potential for further escalation in the region.
How we got here
The recent airstrikes follow a series of retaliatory actions between Israel and Iran, including Iran's missile attacks on Israel earlier this month. The U.S. has been mediating to prevent further escalation, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities and oil infrastructure.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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