TEL AVIV, June 20, 2025
Hongkongers Evacuated as Conflict Intensifies
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalate as the evacuation of Chinese nationals, including Hongkongers, continues.
- Two Hongkongers were among the evacuees from Israel, amidst the ongoing conflict.
- Hong Kong issued a “black” travel alert for Israel and Iran,urging against all travel.
- The US President will decide within two weeks whether to join Israel’s strikes on Iran.
At least two residents of Hong Kong have been evacuated from Israel as the conflict with Iran entered its eighth day, according to reports released Friday. This comes as tensions remain high between the two nations, with continued exchanges of fire.
Evacuations and Travel Alerts
The two Hongkongers were part of a larger group of 119 Chinese nationals who entered Egypt on Thursday via the Taba border crossing,located at the southern end of Israel,according to China’s official state news agency Xinhua.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Hong Kong issued a “black” travel alert on thursday – the moast serious level, indicating a “severe threat” – for both Israel and Iran, strongly advising against all travel to these countries.The city’s Immigration Department reported Friday that they had received 19 calls for assistance from Hongkongers in the region, with 18 having already left the countries.The department is maintaining contact with the remaining individual.
Military actions and International Response
On Friday, the Israeli military announced on X that its fighter jets struck “dozens of military targets in Iran” overnight, including missile manufacturing sites and research centers. Simultaneously occurring, on Thursday, Iranian missiles struck a hospital in southern Israel, and also residential buildings in tel Aviv, injuring 240 people.
What is the current stance of the United States?
The White House stated on Thursday that US President donald Trump will decide whether to participate in Israel’s strikes on Iran “within the next two weeks.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted Trump, saying his decision would be based on the “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran in the near future.
In related news, China’s President Xi Jinping called for all parties, especially Israel, to “cease hostilities quickly” during a phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Thursday. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that almost 800 Chinese citizens had been evacuated from Iran since Israel began its strike against the country in the early hours of June 13.
The Role of Proxies in the Israel-Iran Conflict
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, as evidenced by recent events, is not solely a direct confrontation between the two nations. A notable part of this conflict unfolds through the use of proxies, adding layers of complexity and difficulty in achieving a peaceful resolution. This proxy warfare strategy, a “shadow war” as described in [[1]], involves indirect engagement using third-party actors.
Proxies, primarily militant groups, serve as key players in this conflict. This enables both Israel and Iran to project power, inflict damage, and pursue strategic goals without direct involvement and associated risks. This also allows plausible deniability.
Key Proxy Actors and Their Roles
Various groups are utilized as proxies in this conflict. The most prominent include:
- Hezbollah: Based in Lebanon, Hezbollah has been a long-time proxy for Iran, posing a significant threat to Israel’s northern border. They have engaged in cross-border attacks and rocket strikes.
- Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Operating in Gaza,these groups have received support from Iran and have launched rockets into Israel,leading to retaliatory strikes.
- Various Militias in Syria and Iraq: These groups, frequently enough backed by Iran, have targeted Israeli interests, including military bases and infrastructure.
These proxies are typically provided with financial support, training, and weaponry by either Iran or Israel. This support allows them to carry out attacks and destabilize the region.The use of proxies allows both sides to cause significant damage while avoiding direct military engagement, which would likely escalate the conflict.
Implications and Challenges
The use of proxies adds significant challenges to de-escalation efforts.
- Difficulty in Attribution: It can be challenging to determine the origin of attacks accurately.Both sides often deny obligation for actions carried out by their proxies, making it challenging to hold anyone accountable.
- Prolonged Conflict: proxy warfare can enable conflicts to drag on for extended periods. It allows both sides to continue fighting without risking a full-scale war.
- Regional Instability: The actions of proxies can destabilize neighboring countries. The conflict can spill over borders, resulting in a wider regional conflict.
- Impact on Civilians: Proxy warfare frequently enough leads to increased civilian casualties. Groups engage in attacks and counterattacks on civilian infrastructure.
The use of these proxies substantially complicates any attempts to achieve a peaceful resolution. direct negotiations and diplomatic efforts are hampered when dealing with non-state actors. Any peace deal would need to incorporate mechanisms to address the activities of proxies and ensure their adherence to any ceasefire agreements.
understanding the dynamics of proxy warfare is essential for comprehending the conflict’s trajectory and potential future developments, as this “shadow war” grows more kinetic [[1]]. Can the international community effectively address the role of these proxies in de-escalating the conflict? The answer plays a pivotal role in achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.
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