Hamas leader's death in Tehran sparks Middle East turmoil
The leader of Hamas was killed in Tehran, according to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Palestinian organisation, in turn, reported that its leader died as a result of a "Zionist" attack. Reuters noted that the escalation in the Middle East has led to an increase in oil prices.
The situation in the Middle East is escalating. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was murdered in the country's capital, Tehran. The Palestinian organisation confirmed that its leader died as a result of a "Zionist" attack.
That's not the end. On Saturday (27 July), a rocket attack was carried out from Lebanon on the Golan Heights, a disputed region under Israeli control. The Hezbollah organisation was accused of this, although it did not claim responsibility.
As announced, Tel Aviv retaliated. Fuad Shukr, the chief military commander of Hezbollah, was killed in an airstrike on Beirut, according to the Israeli army. In a statement, it was reported that the fighter was responsible, among other things, for advanced weapons programmes of the Iran-supported group. Oil prices reacted.
Israel's retaliation. oil prices shift
The Middle Eastern crisis also affected Europe, as it influenced oil prices, among other things. As Reuters notes, these prices have risen on global markets despite concerns about demand in China. And this after seven weeks of declines.
Brent crude oil futures rose by 39 pence (£0.33), or 0.5%, to €62.21 (£52.43) per barrel, while the more active October contract amounted to €61.82 (£52.10), an increase of 37 pence (£0.31), the agency writes.
Reuters adds that US West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose by 44 pence (£0.37), or 0.7%, to €57.18 (£48.19) per barrel.
Israel's longest war since 1948
The situation in the Middle East has been tense since 7 October last year, when a terrorist attack on Israel was carried out by the Palestinian organisation Hamas. The immediate consequence is the war in the Gaza Strip, which, among other things, disrupts international trade through the Red Sea.
Talks are underway on a ceasefire brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, but both sides have yet to reach an agreement, resulting in the continued deaths of civilians. The fighting continues not only in the Gaza Strip.
