Tehran has firmly denied allegations that it played a role in assisting Palestinian militants in planning the surprise attack on Israel that occurred on Saturday morning. Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement to the media stating that the decisions made by the Palestinian resistance are completely independent and aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people. The statement emphasized that Iran is not involved in Palestine’s response, as it is solely determined by Palestine itself.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that officers from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were involved in planning the attack on Israel since August, citing several sources including unnamed members of Hamas and Hezbollah. The report also mentioned that Iran gave its approval for the operation at a meeting in Beirut, Lebanon the previous week.
Hamas spokesman, Ghazi Hamad, confirmed to the BBC that the militants received direct backing from Iran. However, another Hamas official, Ali Baraka, insisted in an interview with NBC News that Tehran had not been informed about the operation beforehand. He clarified that it was a surprise to everyone, including Iran.
Despite the accusations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the White House had not yet seen evidence of Iran’s involvement. However, some Israeli and American officials have accused Iran of colluding with Hamas.
The surprise attack on Israel was launched by Palestinian militants and their allied groups from Gaza. They simultaneously fired rockets into Israeli territories and sent troops to infiltrate Israeli settlements. In response, the Israeli government declared war on Hamas and conducted airstrikes on Gaza.
Iran has expressed its support for the assault and called on other Muslim countries to stand with the Palestinians against Israel. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with more than 700 Israelis and at least 436 Palestinians killed since the attack began on Saturday.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. International efforts are underway to de-escalate the conflict and find a peaceful resolution. The United Nations and other world leaders have issued statements urging for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations.
As the conflict continues, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilian lives and work towards a sustainable and lasting peace in the region. The international community must also play an active role in facilitating dialogue and finding a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation of violence.
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