The threat of war looms large in the Middle East as Israel said it was preparing for “scenarios in other areas” amid its ongoing military operation in Gaza. This comes amid concerns that Iran was preparing to strike the country in retaliation for airstrikes on its consulate in Syria on April 1.

The strike, which killed a top Iranian general and six other military officers, prompted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to say that an attack on Israel was “inevitable”.

Israel, which launched a war in the Gaza Strip six months ago against Iran-backed Hamas, has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus, but the Pentagon has said it was.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is continuing its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas, amid concern that Iran was preparing to strike Israel.

“We are preparing to meet the security needs of the state of Israel both in defence and attack,” he said.

Germany’s Lufthansa airline said it had suspended flights to and from Tehran until probably April 13.