The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. The meeting, requested by Iran and supported by Russia, China, and Algeria, is scheduled for 4pm ET. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly ordered a retaliatory strike on Israel in response to Haniyeh’s killing. The US White House has expressed concern over regional escalation but stated that there are no signs of an imminent escalation. Several high-profile assassinations attributed to Israel since October 7, including Haniyeh, have occurred, causing tensions to rise in the Middle East. The killing of Haniyeh could further destabilize the conflict, potentially leading to a regional war involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah. The region is already on edge following recent attacks and killings of top commanders. The US is working to protect its interests and personnel in the Middle East and is urging all parties to show restraint and avoid further escalation. Protesters and mourners from different Middle Eastern countries have expressed their grief and outrage over Haniyeh’s assassination. The situation remains tense as the possibility of further retaliation and conflict looms.
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