Air India cancels Delhi-Tel Aviv flight amid Iran-Israel tensions
Air India has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8, in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and providing support to passengers with confirmed bookings during this period. They are also offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. This comes after the recent killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran—which has sparked fears of retaliation from Iran.
Airlines reroute flights to avoid Middle East airspace
In the wake of heightened tensions in the Middle East, several airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace. Data from Flightradar24 shows that Singapore Airlines, Taiwan's EVA Air, and China Airlines have altered their flight paths. OPSGROUP has also advised against flying over Iranian and Iraqi airspace in the present climate.
Israeli airstrikes kill Hezbollah commander
On Tuesday evening, an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel also confirmed on Thursday that Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas' military wing, was killed in a Gaza airstrike in July. In response, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened "harsh punishment" for the killings.
Israel's response
Following the Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets at northern Israel. The group claimed it launched dozens of Katyusha rockets "in response to the Israeli enemy's attack on the southern village of Shama that killed a number of civilians." In response to these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Israel is at a very high level of preparation for any scenario, both defensive and offensive," adding that those who attack Israel will be attacked in return.
