Middle East Crisis: Tensions escalate after assassination of Hamas Leader
Tehran: Tensions have escalated in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The incident has led to a series of retaliatory actions and heightened threats in the region. Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah, have vowed revenge against Israel, intensifying the volatile situation.
On Sunday, Hezbollah launched dozens of Katyusha rockets at Israel, targeting the settlement of Beit Hillel. This attack was described as a response to Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese villages of Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane. In a statement, Hezbollah declared that their actions were in support of the Palestinian resistance in the Gaza Strip and a response to the injuries suffered by civilians in the Israeli attacks.
The situation has attracted international concern, with the United States taking steps to support Israel's defense. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the threats posed by Iran and its allied groups with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and the benefits of a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Istanbul to protest the killing of Haniyeh, with prominent figures condemning Israel's actions. The Iranian government expects Hezbollah to expand its targets beyond military sites, potentially deepening the conflict.
As the crisis unfolds, global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have expressed hope that Iran will refrain from further escalatory actions.
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First-ever life-size Vivekananda statue in US unveiled in Seattle
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New York (PTI): The first-ever life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda in the US was unveiled in Seattle, honouring the renowned Indian philosopher and spiritual leader.
The life-size bronze statue, installed at the busy Westlake Square in downtown Seattle, is the first such installation hosted by a city government anywhere in the US, officials said.
Sculpted by Indian artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat, it was jointly unveiled on Saturday by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta.
"From Chicago 1893 to Seattle 2026! Seattle's skyline has a new Indian icon: Swami Vivekananda! City of Seattle becomes the first city government to host the Swami Vivekananda Monument in the heart of downtown Seattle," the Consulate General of India in Seattle said in a social media post.
Addressing the event, Wilson said the monument reflects Seattle's inclusive spirit and strengthens cultural ties between India and the diverse metropolitan tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest.
The statue has been gifted by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle in recognition of its "in recognition of the city’s rich multicultural character and spirit of inclusivity", the Indian mission in Seattle said in a statement.
The unveiling of the statue was held on the occasion of the celebration of ICCR Day and is part of India's broader cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between India and the US Pacific Northwest, the Consulate said.
Located at the bustling Westlake Square, which sees over 400,000 visitors daily, the monument stands near prominent landmarks including the Amazon headquarters ‘Spheres’, the Seattle Convention Centre and the Seattle Centre Monorail.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by several local leaders, including mayors from cities in the Greater Seattle area, community representatives and members of the Indian-American diaspora.
Swami Vivekananda had delivered his historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, introducing Hindu philosophy to a global audience.
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