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Hamas says its leadership survived Israel’s assassination bid in Qatar

By
IFP Media Wire
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In its first official statement on Tuesday evening, the Palestinian group said Israel’s attack was intended to derail prisoner exchange talks and ceasefire negotiations to end Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza that has killed more than 64,000 people.

“This once again reveals the criminal nature of the occupation and its desire to undermine any chances of reaching an agreement,” Hamas added.

The Palestinian group described the attack as “a heinous crime, a blatant aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws”.

The group confirmed that at least six people, including the son and one of the aides of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, were killed in the attack that has drawn global condemnation. The Qatari Ministry of Interior announced that a security officer was among those killed.

Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has condemned Israel’s “reckless criminal attack” in the capital Doha in a phone call with US President Donald Trump.

The attack is “a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and security…,” Sheikh Tamim stressed in a statement on Tuesday.

Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called attack “state terrorism”.

Sheikh Mohammed made it clear that the Israeli strikes “must not be overlooked”, adding that Qatar is mobilising all tools to respond to the attack beyond statements and condemnations, including by forming a legal team to hold Israel accountable.

The Qatari prime minister suggested that countries across the Middle East must come together to rein in Israel.

“Today, we have reached a turning point for there to be a response from the entire region against such barbaric conduct,” he said.

 

Iran, IAEA reach deal on resuming cooperation over Tehran’s nuclear program

By
IFP Media Wire
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The agreement was signed between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s Director-General Rafael Grossi on Tuesday in Cairo, which had undertaken to host talks between the two sides.

The deal came about after the Islamic Republic suspended cooperation with the agency in the aftermath of unprovoked Israeli-American attacks against key Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

The suspension came into force in line with a law passed by Majlis (the Iranian Parliament) that had been passed in protest at an anti-Iran resolution ratified by the IAEA under Western and Israeli pressure that was used by the aggressors to try to justify the attacks.

Speaking alongside Grossi during a press conference that followed conclusion of the agreement, the top diplomat described it as culmination of negotiations on realization of “an understanding on how Iran’s safeguards obligations will be implemented” in light of the developments arising from the unlawful aggression.

The deal features “practical steps” for implementing the safeguards and establishing a framework for continuation of the cooperation, while also addressing the Islamic Republic’s concerns regarding its security and national sovereignty, Araghchi said.

Additionally, the deal guarantees Tehran’s inalienable rights to peaceful nuclear energy activities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while also taking into account the IAEA’s technical and verification requirements, he added.

“The message is clear: Iran will never compromise on its sovereignty, rights, or security.”

Iran’s positive steps leading to conclusion of the deal testifies to its sustained good will aimed at resolution of any issues pertaining to its exclusively peaceful nuclear program through diplomacy and dialogue, Araghchi asserted.

These steps, he added, also prove the Islamic Republic’s readiness to engage in genuine and meaningful dialogue for implementation of its relevant commitments.

The official reminded that Iran had demonstrated its willingness to enable continued cooperation with the agency, despite its having been subjected to the “unjustifiable, blatant, and criminal” aggression that targeted its safeguarded nuclear facilities.

In exchange, Araghchi underlined, the agency and the international community had to abide by the international law, condemning the attacks that had rendered it impossible for the Islamic Republic to continue its cooperation with the body as before.

“There is no precedent for cooperation between the agency and a member state under conditions where its safeguarded facilities have been deliberately attacked and damaged.”

The official also underscored that the perpetrators had to be held accountable and compensate the Islamic Republic for the human and material losses of the aggression.

Still stressing the IAEA’s reciprocal duties towards Tehran, Araghchi said, “Cooperation is not a one-way street. Alongside Iran’s commitments, the agency also bears clear responsibilities, and we expect it to fully uphold them, while maintaining its impartiality, independence, and professionalism.”

For his part, the IAEA chief announced on his X, former Twitter, account that he had agreed with the Iranian official “on practical modalities to resume inspection activities in Iran.”

“This is an important step in the right direction,” Grossi added.

Araghchi, however, issued a stern caution against implementation of any aggressive steps against the Islamic Republic, despite its goodwill gestures.

“I emphasize that in the event of any hostile action against Iran, including the reinstatement of previously revoked United Nations Security Council resolutions, the Islamic Republic will regard these practical steps as terminated.”

He was referring to an underway push by the European trio for the UK, France, and Germany aimed at reinstating the Security Council’s sanctions against Tehran.

The troika has been pushing to realize the objective, using unfounded allegations of “diversion” against the country’s nuclear energy program, claims that have never been verified by the IAEA, despite its most intrusive inspections to date.

 

Iran condemns Israel’s raids on Qatar as criminal, extremely dangerous

By
IFP Media Wire
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Esmail Baghaei

Earlier this afternoon, a series of powerful explosions shook the Qatari capital, and the Israeli military issued a statement claiming responsibility for an operation targeting Hamas leaders who were in Qatar.

Esmail Baqaei added that this act by the Zionist regime is yet another crime carried out in violation of all international norms and regulations.

He stressed that from the perspective of international law, this move constitutes a grave breach of the principles, purposes, and rules of the United Nations Charter.

According to him, it should serve as a wake-up call to regional countries and the international community at large regarding the dangers posed by continued inaction and indifference toward the aggressions and violations that the Zionist regime commits in occupied Palestine and across West Asia.

Israeli army says it attacked Hamas leadership in Qatar

By
IFP Media Wire
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It is the first such attack by Israel in Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, and home to the region’s largest US military base, Al Udeid Air Base.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, as well as carrying out daily attacks in the occupied West Bank in Palestine.

A Hamas source told Al Jazeera that the attack targeted Hamas negotiating team. The attack came as negotiators from Hamas were meeting to consider the latest ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States.

The military released a statement Tuesday, saying “The IDF and Shin Bet, through the Air Force, recently carried out a targeted attack on the top leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.”

“The members of the leadership who were attacked led the terrorist organization’s activities for years, and are directly responsible for carrying out the October 7 massacre and waging the war against the State of Israel, it added.

The statement noted that before the attack, “steps were taken to minimize harm to uninvolved people, including the use of precision weapons and additional intelligence information.”

A Hamas source told Al Jazeera that all members attending the meeting to discuss President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal in Doha survived Israel’s assassination attempt.

In a statement, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, said the country “condemns in the strongest terms” the attack, which he said was carried out on residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas political bureau.

“This criminal attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Qatar,” the statement reads.

“While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and its continued tampering with regional security, as well as any action targeting its security and sovereignty. Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they become available.”

The raids in Doha come less than two weeks after armed forces chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir pledged to target the Hamas’ leaders wherever they were internationally, following a situation assessment meeting with his top commanders.

 

Flotilla for Gaza says main boat attacked

By
IFP Media Wire
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In a statement reported by Tunisia’s state TAP news agency, Tunisa’s Interior Ministry dismissed reports that the Portuguese-flagged ship had been struck by a drone while anchored outside the port of Sidi Bou Said.

The ministry said security units inspected the scene and determined that a fire was caused by a life jacket igniting. The blaze was swiftly contained and caused no injuries or material damage apart from the burning of several jackets, it added.

Earlier in the day, the flotilla announced in a statement that the boat was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters.

The flotilla also shared footage captured from another boat that it noted “shows the exact moment the Family Boat was struck from above.” The footage, in black and white, appears to show an incendiary object dropping onto the boat, triggering an explosion and fire.

The boat included the crew of the Madeleine, the previous aid flotilla vessel seized by the Israeli military in June. Among them were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, activist Yasemin Acar, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila and Turkish activist Suayb Ordu.

“All passengers and crew are safe,” the flotilla said in the statement, adding: “An investigation is currently underway, and when more information is available, it will be released immediately.”

“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” the statement read.

“A drone came right above it, released a bomb, and it exploded, and the boat was on fire,” Acar, a member of the steering committee, also stated in a video message on Instagram.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” is made up of over 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners. Around 150 activists – including Tunisians, Turkish citizens and others from Europe, Africa and Asia – are participating in the initiative.

The flotilla set sail from Barcelona in late August along with another group from Genoa, Italy and is expected to depart Tunisia for Gaza on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on Aug. 22 that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza and warned it could spread as Israel’s blockade continues.

Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza entered its 700th day on Friday, with Israeli forces having killed more than 64,600 Palestinians. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

 

Israeli military orders evacuation of entire Gaza City before major onslaught

By
IFP Media Wire
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The Israeli army is “determined to eliminate Hamas and will operate in the Gaza city area with great force, as it has operated in various parts of the (Gaza) Strip,” army spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote on X.

He called on the residents to “evacuate immediately via the Al-Rashid Street towards the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi.”

“Remaining in the area is extremely dangerous,” the spokesman added.

Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza entered its 700th day on Friday, with Israeli soldiers having killed more than 64,600 Palestinians. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

 

BRICS unlikely to last: WH trade adviser

By
IFP Media Wire
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BRICS

In an interview with US President Donald Trump’s former strategist, Steve Bannon, on Monday, Navarro said none of the BRICS members could survive without selling products to the US.

”India has been at war with China for decades… and I just remembered, it was China that gave Pakistan the nuclear bomb,” Navarro told Bannon.

“They have ships flying around the Indian Ocean with Chinese flags. [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, see how you kind of work that out.”

He added that China is sending illegal immigrants to Russia and has claimed territory within Russia.

“China claims they own Vladivostok, the Russian port, and they are already through massive illegal immigration into Siberia, basically colonizing Siberia, which is the biggest landmass of the Russian semi-empire.”

China, however, does not claim any Russian territory, and the two countries signed the Complementary Agreement on the Eastern Section of the China-Russia Boundary in 2004 as a final resolution of their border dispute.

”I don’t see how [BRICS] stays together since historically they hate each other and kill each other,” the trade adviser stated.

Navarro claimed that BRICS countries are dependent on the US for trade.

“The bottom line is none of these countries can survive if they don’t sell to the United States, and when they sell to the United States, their exports, they’re like vampires sucking our blood dry with their unfair trade practices.”

 

Iran’s FM calls Islamic unity religious obligation, rejects military solutions

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Abbas Araghchi

Speaking at a gathering with foreign ministry officials and participants of the 39th International Islamic Unity Conference, he said the current conditions facing Muslim nations demand collective action.

Araghchi highlighted that this year marks the 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth, which he said provides a unique opportunity for greater celebrations across the Muslim world.

He recalled Iran’s proposal at the latest Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting to designate the current year as the “Year of Unity,” a suggestion that received positive attention.

Addressing the conflict in Gaza, Araghchi castigated the Israeli regime for committing “war crimes” by using starvation as a weapon and condemned the international community’s silence.

He argued that threats from Israel extend beyond Palestine to the entire region, stressing that only unity among Muslim nations can counter such dangers.

On talks over Iran’s nuclear program, Araghchi also reiterated that Iran “has never left the negotiating table” and that the US and Israel have realized “there is no military solution regarding Iran,” leaving diplomacy as the only viable path forward.

Israeli attacks kill five in Lebanon in latest ceasefire breach

By
IFP Media Wire
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The attacks on Monday hit the Bekaa and Hermel districts, with state media saying at least eight air raids were carried out. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, seven bombs fell on the outskirts of Hermel, while another strike targeted the nearby town of Labweh.

Israel’s military claimed the raids hit weapons depots and military facilities used by Hezbollah, though the claims could not be independently confirmed. Hezbollah has not yet commented.

Israel has continued launching near-daily assaults on Lebanese territory, particularly in the south, while maintaining an occupation at five border outposts despite the truce requiring a full withdrawal earlier this year.

The conflict erupted on October 8, 2023, when Israel opened a military offensive in Lebanon. By the time the ceasefire was reached in November the following year, more than 4,000 people had been killed and almost 17,000 wounded.

The fragile truce is under further strain as Lebanon grapples with a contentious plan pushed by the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah.

Earlier this month, Lebanon’s army presented a proposal to the cabinet outlining steps to begin dismantling the group’s arsenal. Information Minister Paul Morcos said the government welcomed the move, but stopped short of confirming cabinet approval.

The plan prompted a walkout by five Shia ministers, including representatives of Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, who insist the group will not disarm while Israel continues air strikes and occupation in the south.

The US and Hezbollah’s political rivals in Lebanon have increased pressure on the group to surrender its weapons. Hezbollah has resisted, warning that even raising the issue while Israeli attacks persist would be a “serious misstep”.

Last week, Israeli strikes killed four people in Lebanon, underlining the escalating tension despite the ceasefire. Israel was also slammed for dropping grenades close to peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) last week.

 

UN says 362 earthquake-hit villages in Afghanistan still not reached

By
IFP Media Wire
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In a news briefing on Monday from Jalalabad, near the epicentre, Shannon O’Hara, who oversees the coordination of the UN’s humanitarian office in Afghanistan, said the earthquake had struck “some of the most remote, rural areas in the country”, making the delivery of humanitarian aid difficult.

O’Hara stated an initial assessment only took account of 49 out of 411 affected villages in Afghanistan’s eastern regions, and found 5,230 homes destroyed and 672 damaged.

“Even before the earthquake, these villages were difficult to reach. Now, with the earthquake, it takes extraordinary effort to get there,” O’Hara added.

The magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Afghanistan at the end of August, killing at least 2,200 people, Taliban authorities said, with rescue operations ongoing to reach more affected villages.

The UN believes half a million people may have been affected by the earthquake, including 250,000 children.

Entire villages have been destroyed, and road conditions were made even more difficult due to aftershocks, O’Hara added. She said it took her team more than 6 hours to reach Jalalabad, the largest city near the area most affected by the earthquake.

Humanitarian teams often had to drive long distances to reach villages, including hours spent on foot, highlighting the logistical barriers to aid delivery.

In the mountains of southeast Afghanistan, whole villages have been reduced to piles of stone and mud.

More than a week after a devastating earthquake struck, residents are mourning their families and figuring out how they can survive, having lost everything.

“As we drove towards the epicentre, we saw families walking in the opposite direction – displaced, carrying what little they could. Many were still wearing the same clothes from the night of the earthquake,” O’Hara said.

“Mothers and fathers were carrying their children, some with fresh bandages covering their injuries.”

The UN representative also warned that seasonal weather changes, including the possibility of heavy rain and snow in the coming months, could further complicate aid efforts.

“Time is running out,” she added.

“At the end of October, the winter season will begin, and snow will cut off access to these mountain valleys.

“If we don’t act now, these communities may not survive the winter.”

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