Relations between countries in the Middle East have always been tense, but since the war between Hamas and Israel that started six months ago, the situation has become even more tense.
Iran supports Hamas and therefore wants Israel to stop bombing Gaza. Iran’s greatest enemy is America, a staunch ally of Israel. Other countries are also taking a clear position: the European Union will stand behind Israel, while Russia and China side with Iran. This means that it threatens to turn into a larger international conflict.
Attack on Iranian embassy
Until recently, there were only words between Israel and Iran, but on April 1, the Iranian embassy in Damascus was hit by an airstrike, probably from Israel, killing seven people.
Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attack felt like “hitting its own territory.” Iran immediately threatened revenge.
Israel then indicated that it was preparing, with help from the United States, for a “possibly unprecedented” counterattack from Iran. That attack was launched this Saturday. In the morning, Iranian troops boarded a container ship ‘with Israeli ties’ in the Strait of Hormuz, the strait between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
A major attack began in the evening, with Iran sending hundreds of drones and missiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted. In this video you can see the rockets and hear the air raid siren:
Air raid sirens sounded in several places. Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, among other places. It is not clear whether it concerns anti-aircraft fire or hits from Iranian drones and missiles.
An Israeli army spokesman said there was little damage. However, a military base was slightly damaged. Indirectly, 31 people were injured when they hurriedly sought shelter. People have also been treated for panic attacks.
How does the US respond?
Israel has said several times that it will respond to an attack by Iran. There are fears of escalation in which other countries will also become involved.
In an initial response, the US government reiterated that Israel can count on the ‘unconditional support’ of the United States. “President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is unconditional. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.” The White House has indicated that it will actively not participate in an attack on Iran.
Biden’s team is in constant contact with Israeli officials as well as “other partners and allies.”
Rutte: ‘Very worrying’
From the Netherlands, Prime Minister Rutte ‘strongly’ condemned Iran’s attacks on Israel. “Further escalation must be prevented,” he writes on X. Rutte calls the situation in the Middle East ‘very worrying’.
“Earlier today, the Netherlands and other countries sent a loud and clear message to Iran to refrain from attacking Israel.”
Rutte was in contact with Bruins Slot and Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren last night about the recent developments. “We continue to monitor developments very closely,” he says on X.
