Greece Lends Cyprus C-130 for Citizen Evacuation as Middle East Tensions Explode

In a rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East, Greece is deploying a C-130 military transport aircraft to Cyprus. The move comes at the request of Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, who contacted his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias Tuesday evening seeking assistance in evacuating Cypriot citizens from Lebanon.

This development follows a dramatic surge in regional tensions after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of key figures in Lebanon, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they were in response to the killings, which also included the deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Abbas Nilforushan.

The international community is reacting swiftly to the escalating situation. Jordan and Israel have halted air traffic, while Iraq has closed its airspace entirely. These measures reflect the gravity of the situation, with fears of a full-blown regional conflict looming large.

The missile attacks follow a recent escalation in hostilities, including the Israeli army's ground operations targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Alarmingly, the White House had issued a warning just a day prior, stating that Iran was preparing for a ballistic missile attack on Israel.

Initial reports suggest that over 100 missiles have been launched, with some estimates reaching as high as 240. Video footage circulating on Iranian networks depicts missiles being launched from within Iran, soaring over Tehran.

In response to this volatile situation, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for an emergency session of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense. This extraordinary meeting, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, aims to assess the situation and formulate Greece's response to the unfolding crisis.