In response to the October 2022 Hamas attacks on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and hundreds taken hostage, Israel's subsequent actions have displaced 85% of Gaza's population and led to accusations of war crimes. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi praised Hamas and warned of Iran's readiness to retaliate. The conflict has been further escalated by the assassination of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in a drone strike in Beirut, raising fears of a wider conflict.