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Iranian official do not rule out issuing a death sentence for Netanyahu over Gaza war crimes

By
IFP Media Wire
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Netanyahu Gallant

“In my opinion, this is not impossible. It is possible if efforts are made,” Kazem Gharibabadi said in an interview with Khamenei.ir published on Sunday.

He pointed to the lack of a fair court to investigate the crimes of the Israeli regime and its criminal officials and added that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has only issued an arrest warrant which is the most basic action of a judicial authority.

He said two or three countries which support the Palestinian people and oppose Israel’s crimes can come together and form a “joint court” that issues death sentence for the regime’s officials.

“We should try to see if it is possible to form a court consisting of two or three like-minded countries that support the Palestinian people. Within the framework of that court, it will be possible to issue such rulings [death sentence],” Gharibabadi emphasized.

However, he added, it should be noted to what extent this ruling can be enforced and what will be the guarantee of its implementation.

In November, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I issued warrants of arrest for Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant “for crimes against humanity and war crimes” committed from at least October 8, 2023 until at least May 20, 2024, the day the Prosecution filed the applications for warrants of arrest.

It is the first instance in the court’s 22-year history it has issued arrest warrants for Western-allied senior officials.

Gharibabadi said before the ICC ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague issued a ruling regarding a case brought by South Africa under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide with the support of some other countries, which was another condemnation of the Israeli regime and its crimes.

South Africa had initially filed the genocide case against the Israeli regime at the ICJ in late 2023, weeks after the Israeli regime unleashed its brutal killing machine on Gaza in October.

In addition to South Africa, several other countries, including Spain, Mexico, Libya, Turkey, Nicaragua, and Colombia have joined the case, which began public hearings in January.

In May, the top UN court ordered the Tel Aviv regime to halt its invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The 15-judge ICJ panel issued three preliminary orders seeking to rein in the death toll and alleviate humanitarian suffering in the blockaded enclave where at least 44,976 have been killed and some 106,759 more have been injured in the ongoing Israeli invasion.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Gharibabdi said the United States is “completely complicit in and responsible” for the Israeli regime’s crimes.

“The US has not only provided military and intelligence support to the Zionist regime, but also gives political and diplomatic support,” the Iranian diplomat explained.

He emphasized that Israel would definitely not survive without the US support.

Israel is committing crimes in Gaza and other regions due to the US opposition to a ceasefire and its unwavering support for the regime, he pointed out.

Israel approves plan to increase settler population in Golan Heights

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israel Army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the government had “unanimously approved” the “demographic development” of the occupied territory, which would seek to double the Israeli population there.

The new plan is only for the portion of the Golan Heights that Israel has occupied since 1967. In 1981, Israel’s Knesset moved to impose Israeli law over the territory, in an effective annexation.

The plan does not relate to the portion of Syrian land seized by Israel in the wake of al-Assad’s toppling a week ago. The seized area, which had been demilitarised as part of an agreement reached after the 1973 war, also includes Mount Hermon overlooking the Syrian capital Damascus.

In a statement, Netanyahu praised the plan, which provides more than 40 million shekels ($11m) to increase the settler population.

There are about 31,000 Israeli settlers spread across dozens of illegal settlements in the Golan Heights already. They live alongside minority groups, including the Druze, who predominantly identify as Syrian.

“Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time,” Netanyahu stated.

“We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it.”

While Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights is illegal under international law, during his first term in office, from 2017 to 2021, US President-elect Donald Trump made the United States the first country in the world to officially recognise Israeli sovereignty over the area.

Trump is set to retake office again on January 20 after winning the US presidential election in November.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office said he had discussed the situation in Syria during a phone call with Trump on Saturday. He also discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Despite Israel launching hundreds of strikes on Syrian sites since opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew al-Assad and moved to create a transitional government, Netanyahu said: “We have no interest in conflict with Syria.”

He added the attacks were to “thwart the potential threats from Syria and to prevent the takeover of terrorist elements near our border”.

UN special envoy hopes for Syria’s swift recovery after Assad’s fall

By
IFP Media Wire
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Geir Pedersen

Speaking to reporters in Damascus, Pedersen emphasized the importance of Syrian state institutions fully resuming their functions under secure conditions.

“We are working with all segments of the Syrian people … and we want to see no acts of revenge. Instead, we must ensure that institutions return to work, backed by the necessary security measures,” he said.

The UN envoy expressed hope that the removal of sanctions on Syria would be expedited, paving the way for a swift start to the nation’s economic recovery.

“We hope to see a quick end to sanctions so that the recovery process can begin soon,” Pedersen added.

While acknowledging the complexity of the political landscape, Pedersen urged all parties to maintain calm, focus on rehabilitation, and prioritize the welfare of ordinary Syrians.

He affirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting a stable and inclusive transition that avoids further violence and ensures a better future for the country.

Pedersen came to the Syrian capital to meet with officials of the new interim government set up by the former armed opposition groups who toppled Al-Assad, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham.

On November 27, foreign-backed militants, led by HTS, announced the fall of al-Assad’s government following a rapid two-week onslaught.

Shortly afterward, Israel launched a bombing campaign on Syria’s infrastructure and expanded its occupation of the Arab country.

Several regional countries have warned Israel is taking advantage of the chaotic situation in Syria to grab more land.

Cold weather, energy shortages extend closure of schools, offices in Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Officials from the National Center for Climate and Drought Crisis Management stated that the ongoing cold wave and snowfall have necessitated the closures.

The affected provinces are mostly in the northern half of the country, including Tehran, West Azarbaijan, Golestan, Kermanshah, Semnan, Mazandaran, Qom, Ardabil, Kordestan, North Khorasan, South Khorasan, and two southern provinces of Fars and Hormozgan.

On Sunday, similar closures were implemented due to severe weather conditions and energy supply challenges.

Ahad Vazifeh, the head of the National Center for Climate and Drought Crisis Management, mentioned that the cold wave affecting the western regions would start to subside on Monday, while the eastern regions would see a decline in cold temperatures by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tehran’s Deputy Governor for Coordination of Civil Affairs, Mir Mohammad Gharavi, hinted the possibility of continued closures on Tuesday if air pollution levels exceed 150.

He emphasized the positive impact of the current closures on reducing fuel consumption and maintaining gas supply for residential areas.

The measures aim to manage energy consumption, prevent gas outages, and ensure public health amid the severe cold spell.

Ambassador: Iranian Embassy in Syria to reopen soon

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Israeli strike on Iranian consulate in Syria

In an interview with Iran’s IRIB television on Sunday, Hossein Akbari said discussions are ongoing about reopening the consulate, to which the new rulers in Syria have agreed.

Akbari stated that the embassy’s security was ensured by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group that toppled the government of Bashar al-Assad.

He said before the arrival of HTS in Damascus, unidentified individuals looted parts of the capital, including the Iranian Embassy, but dismissed claims about the embassy holding $43 million and about refugees taking shelter there, calling them “baseless.”

The Iranian envoy said the high speed of the developments in Syria surprised even the perpetrators, explaining the initial move by the militants was retaliatory strikes against Syrian and Russian bombings, but expanded due to minimal resistance from the Syrian army, leading to the fall of Aleppo in a matter of days.

Akbari emphasized that Syria will not become like Libya due to different geographical and regional dynamics.

He, however, warned of Israel’s desire to prevent the establishment of a strong government in Syria and the influence of US policies.

Netanyahu informs Trump of its resolve to act against Iran

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Trump Netanyahu

”We are committed to preventing Hezbollah from rearming,” Netanyahu added in a video statement quoted by Times of Israel on Sunday.

“This is an ongoing test for Israel, we must meet it – and we will meet it. I say to Hezbollah and Iran in no uncertain terms – to prevent you from harming us, we will continue to act against you as much as necessary, in every arena and at all times.”

Netanyahu called the conversation with Trump a “very friendly, very warm, and very important conversation” in the video statement.

He claimed that recent airstrikes against Syrian military sites were carried out “to thwart the potential threats from Syria and to prevent the takeover of terrorist elements near our border”.

“We have no interest in a conflict with Syria,” Netanyahu added, arguing that Israel has changed the whole region. “Syria is not the same Syria, Lebanon is not the same Lebanon, Gaza is not the same Gaza, and the leader of the axis – Iran – is not the same Iran,” the PM added.

After militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) took power in Syria last weekend, Israel launched a major military operation, reportedly striking weapons stockpiles and naval vessels that belonged to former president Bashar Assad’s army.

Israeli soldiers are also remaining in the UN-patrolled buffer zone between Israel and Syria, claiming it is a temporary “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria to prevent any “terrorist threat”. Earlier on Sunday Netanyahu declared that a decision to expand Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights was made “in light of the war and the new front facing Syria”.

In an interview on Saturday HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani called on the international community to intervene in the situation and “assume its responsibilities towards this escalation”.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a surprise attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people and abducting over 250. According to Israeli officials, around 100 hostages remain in captivity. Immediately after the attack, the regime launched a war in Gaza, killing nearly 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Iran finishes runner-up at 2024 World Weightlifting Championships

By
IFP Media Wire
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The Iranian team secured 560 points and stood in second place behind China that gained 566 points.

Iran was followed by North Korea and Colombia that finished third and fourth respectively.

The 2024 World Weightlifting Championships were held from December 6-15.

Iran’s Ministry of Sport and Youth issued a congratulatory message on Sunday evening over the achievement by the male lifters.

The ministry appreciated the medalists as well as technical and management staff that contributed to the victory through their efforts and planning.

Israel plans to deploy automated weapons in West Bank

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Israel Palestine

The system, named “Roeh-Yoreh” (“See-Fires”), is an advanced weaponry structure developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It includes a tower with sophisticated surveillance equipment and a remote-controlled lethal fire mechanism.

Since its introduction into the Israeli military arsenal in 2008, the system has been exclusively used in Gaza, where it was deployed along the security fence to target Palestinians approaching the barrier.

According to Army Radio, the move to use the system in the West Bank comes despite its limited effectiveness in repelling the Hamas-led 7 October attacks out of Gaza.

In the early hours of the attack, Hamas used drones to hit the tower-mounted weapons, disabling them with ease and allowing fighters to cross the boundary into Israel.

The Israeli military plans to deploy dozens of Roeh-Yoreh systems in strategic locations across the West Bank, including settlement entrances and key control points, according to the report.

The goal, it added, was to prevent armed attacks and infiltrations into illegal Israeli settlements.

The manufacturing of these systems for the West Bank has already begun.

Initially, they will be installed at high-risk locations by the Israeli military, with plans to expand deployment to additional sites.

According to the report, the 636 Reconnaissance Unit of the West Bank Division will operate the systems, amid rising Israeli concerns about growing security threats in the territory.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live in roughly 300 illegal settlements in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, which have been constructed since they were captured by Israel in the 1967 war.

Under international law, settlement construction in an occupied territory is illegal.

Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October last year, violence by the army and settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has skyrocketed.

At least 800 Palestinians from the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire since the war began, with around 6,500 more wounded, according to Palestinian health officials.

Beauty of snow in Hyrcanian forests, northern Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Along the snowy forest road, pristine white blankets draped over the treetops create a mesmerizing spectacle.

Israel says carried out about 800 strikes in Syria since fall of Assad

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Israeli Fighter Jet

The Israeli military launched dozens of air raids on Syria within on Saturday, bringing the total number of attacks in a week to about 800.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has lashed out at Israel for launching strikes on Syria and expanding its territory further into the occupied Golan Heights after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

Guterres described Israel’s actions as “deeply concerning” and called for the Israelis to stop firing into Syria and respect its sovereignty.

“The secretary-general is particularly concerned over the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes on several locations in Syria,” the UN said in a statement, calling for urgent de-escalation “on all fronts, throughout Syria”.

“He stresses the urgent need to de-escalate violence on all fronts, throughout Syria.”

Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since the 1967 war with Syria.

Between 1974 and 2024 the territory was divided between areas controlled by Israel and areas controlled by Syria, split by a buffer zone.

The secretary-general also called on Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, which ended the Yom Kippur War.

The agreement established a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights to prevent further conflict.

It delineated areas of control for each side and included provisions for the return of displaced civilians.

But after the Syrian government collapsed after fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Damascus, Israel began infiltrating the UN buffer zone and occupied Mount Hermon.

The Israelis claimed it was establishing a “buffer zone” by taking further control of areas near the occupied Golan Heights.

Israeli forces has also launched hundreds of air raids and bombed parts of Damascus it claimed were chemical weapons factories and Syrian military infrastructure over the last week – including large chunks of the Syrian navy and air force.

The UN special envoy for Syria has also called the Israeli attacks a deeply troubling development, describing the current situation in the Arab country as highly fluid.

Geir Pedersen said tensions remain unresolved and urged other countries to avoid actions that could impede the ongoing transformation.

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