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Iranian daily warns of ‘moles’ following Israel’s targeting of top commander in Damascus

Israeli strike on Iranian consulate in Syria

In an article on Monday, Jomhuri-e Eslami sought to turn heads to the hitherto -less-discussed issue of ‘infiltrators’ who enabled the Israeli regime to target the senior commanders in the Iranian Embassy’s consular building in Damascus on April 1.

Israel, largely believed to have acted on a tip-off, launched a missile and drone attack on the Iranian diplomatic site that led to the death of seven military advisors, including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi.

The aggression provoked an extensive Iranian response on Israel’s military bases and intelligence centers.

“We resolutely responded the Zionists with hundreds of missiles and drones for crossing our red lines,” the Iranian newspaper wrote, adding, “Whether this story ends or God forbid continues with their madness, we must raise the walls of our house and fortify it.”

Jomhuri-e Eslami believes that the first step is to seal the “infiltration points,” explaining “Infiltrators should be sought among insiders; in the closest circle of friends, those who hear the words and are familiar with the codes and symbols.”

The daily had thinly-veiled words for Russia for being ‘unreliable’ in tough conditions.

“There are countless spies in Syria and Lebanon. We shouldn’t make friends with anyone (there). We shouldn’t bet on the owners of S300 and S400 (missile systems) who fall asleep when the enemy attacks us either. Let’s stand on our own two feet,” it concluded.

Israel decides to postpone military offensive in Rafah after Iran attack

Gaza War

Israel has waged a military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border attack led by Hamas, in which nearly 1,200 people were killed.

More than 33,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, besides mass destruction and conditions of famine.

Claiming it to be “the last stronghold of Hamas”, Netanyahu has insisted on invading Rafah, where around 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have taken refuge from the incessant attacks.

Despite growing international outcry over the invasion plan, the prime minister last week said a date had been set for the offensive.

“Today I received a detailed report on the talks in Cairo, we are constantly working to achieve our goals, first and foremost the release of all our hostages and achieving a complete victory over Hamas,” Netanyahu stated.

“This victory requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there. It will happen – there is a date.”

According to the public broadcaster, the postponement of the ground operation came after consultations with the Israeli security apparatus.

Earlier on Sunday, Finance Minister Avigdor Smotrich called for invading Rafah and imposing control over the entire Gaza Strip.

The postponement comes after Iran launched around 300 missiles and drones towards Israel late Saturday evening.

The unprecedented attack was in response to an April 1 missile attack targeting the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, which killed several of Iranian military commanders.

G7 leaders say Iran strike on Israel risks ‘uncontrollable regional escalation’

G-7
US President Joe Biden, right, meets with G7 leaders, in this photo shared by The White House on Sunday, April 14. White House.

“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives,” the G7 leaders said in a statement on Sunday.

Tehran launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to Israel’s deadly attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria early this month.

Iranian officials have stressed their country’s military operation against Israel was ‘in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defence’, stressing Tehran is not seeking to escalate conflict in the region.

The G7 leaders condemned the “direct and unprecedented attack” launched by Iran in their statement and emphasized their “full solidarity and support to Israel”.

The leaders also noted that they will continue to work to end the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

“We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need,” they added.

Iran FM: Military action against Israeli regime did NOT target civilian areas

Hossein Amirabdollahian

He emphasized the precision of Iranian armed forces’ strikes, specifically targeting a military base housing F-35 planes belonging to the occupying Israeli regime, which were used in an attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Amirabdollahian clarified that these strikes were solely aimed at military targets, affirming Iran’s commitment to legitimate defense without civilian casualties.

Amirabdollahian said Tehran has conveyed Iran’s intention for a limited and minimal operation aimed at defending its diplomatic missions and punishing Israel within the bounds of international law.

He criticized the disparity in international responses, questioning why restraint was recommended to Iran while the Zionist regime’s aggressions have thus far gone unchecked.

Furthermore, Amirabdollahian condemned the opposition of the United States, England, and France to issuing a UN Security Council statement condemning the Israeli regime’s deadly attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, which resulted in the killing of seven high ranking Iranian military advisors.

He highlighted this as a violation of international regulations and the Vienna Conventions, urging adherence to diplomatic immunity granted by the UN Security Council.

Israel conducted 16 massacres daily since start of Gaza war: Report

Gaza War

The Gaza government’s Media Office issued a statement detailing the 190-day-long bombardment carried out by Israel on the besieged enclave.

The statement reported that the Israeli army has committed “2,973 massacres in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023”.

The report stated that during the Israeli military’s assaults on the Gaza Strip, 14,560 children and 9,582 women were killed.

Additionally, 7,000 individuals are either trapped under the rubble or missing, with hospitals receiving a total of 33,700 fatalities and 76,300 individuals sustaining injuries.

It was reported that 72% of those exposed to Israeli attacks in Gaza are women and children.

It was highlighted that in Gaza, where Israel’s actions have led to starvation, a humanitarian crisis has emerged due to the blockade of aid.

As a result, 30 children have tragically died due to malnutrition and dehydration.

It was also stated that the Israeli military has launched over 70,000 tons of explosives on Gaza since Oct. 7, targeting not only civilian areas but also the healthcare sector.

This relentless assault has resulted in the deaths of 485 healthcare workers and 66 civil defense personnel in Gaza.

Also, Israeli attacks have resulted in 140 journalists dead and 17,000 children in Gaza living without one or both parents.

There are still 11,000 injured people who need urgent treatment abroad, and 10,000 cancer patients are facing the danger of death due to inadequate health services.

Overcrowded shelters housing displaced Palestinians have been overcrowded with 1,089,000 cases of infectious diseases and over 8,000 cases of “Hepatitis A”.

Over 60,000 pregnant women in Gaza cannot receive health care, and 350,000 people with chronic illnesses are at risk of death due to lack of medication, according to the report.

It added that the Israeli army has detained more than 5,000 Palestinians since its initial attacks on Gaza.

Also, Israeli soldiers detained 310 healthcare workers and 20 journalists, and 2 million people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip with a population of 2.3 million.

Over 70,000 houses were completely destroyed, and a total of 290,000 houses were damaged and uninhabitable, according to the media office.

The Israeli army destroyed 171 government facilities and 100 schools and universities, and 305 schools and universities were partially damaged.

The Israeli military also destroyed 233 mosques completely, damaged 301 mosques, and targeted and destroyed three churches.

It was also stated that Israel targeted 159 healthcare institutions in Gaza, rendered 53 healthcare centers and 32 hospitals inoperative, and made 126 ambulances unusable.

Israel also targeted Palestine’s cultural heritage, destroying 203 historical and cultural assets in Gaza, according to the report.

Countering Iran’s aerial attack costs Israel $1.35bln: Report

Iran Attack Israel

The daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Brig. Gen. Ram Aminach, the former financial advisor to the Israeli chief of staff, as saying that “the cost of defense last night was estimated at between 4-5 billion shekels ($1.08-1.35B)”.

“I am only talking about interception to what the Iranians launched and not injuries that were marginal this time,” he stated.

“One ‘Arrow’ missile used to intercept an Iranian ballistic missile costs $3.5 million, while the cost of one ‘Magic Wand’ missile is $1 million, in addition to the sorties of aircraft that participated in intercepting the Iranian drones,” Aminach added.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz quoted the Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari as saying that about 350 missiles and drones were launched from Iran at Israel, most of which were intercepted.

On Sunday, Iranian Armed forces launched hundreds of missiles and drones at military bases in the occupied territories in retaliation for Israel’s April 1 terrorist strike on Tehran’s diplomatic mission in Syria’s Damascus.

Israel’s finance minister calls on government to “learn lessons” and “move on to Rafah”

Gaza War

In a post on X, Smotrich said that he had warned that “giving up on Israel’s red lines and chasing after Hamas for a deal” would “only decrease” the chance of bringing Israeli hostages held in Gaza back.

“It’s time to learn lessons, change direction, move on to Rafah now and restore full Israeli control all over the Gaza Strip,” Smotrich added.

The far-right minister has, in the past, denied the existence of a Palestinian people or nationhood, prompting a rebuke from the United States in March 2023.

More than 1 million Palestinian civilians are estimated to be sheltering in Rafah in southern Gaza, most of them displaced from other parts of the besieged enclave and crammed into a sprawling tent city.

Israel has been threatening an invasion into Rafah for some time now – despite pushback from allies like the US. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had set a date for the action, adding that “entry into Rafah” is necessary for a “complete victory over Hamas”.

Israel has waged a military offensive on the Gaza Strip since early October. More than 33,700 Palestinians have since been killed and over 76,300 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian territory, leaving its population, particularly residents of Northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which last week asked it to do more to prevent famine in Gaza.

US says Iran’s attack on Israel lasted about five hours

White House

The US, along with Israel, monitored the barrage of drone and missile attacks that began Saturday night and continued into early Sunday morning. The number of launches appeared to fall during Sunday’s early hours, the officials said.

US forces throughout the region were positioned to provide defensive support to Israel ahead of the attack, and the US intended to intercept as many of the launches as it could.

US troops intercepted a number of drones intended for Israel as part of a coordinated defensive effort, and Washington remains vigilant for the potential of more activity.

Two Israeli officials have claimed Iran launched 185 drones and 36 cruise missiles. Most of the launches were from Iran, though a small portion came from Iraq and Yemen. Iran also launched 110 surface-to-surface missiles.

Israel is “working closely” with the US, UK and France, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, adding that all three “acted tonight” during the Iranian strikes.

“We are working closely with the US, UK and France who acted tonight. This partnership has always been close, but tonight it manifested itself in an unusual way,” Hagari continued.

On Sunday, Iranian Armed forces launched hundreds of missiles and drones at military bases in the occupied territories in retaliation for Israel’s April 1 terrorist strike on Tehran’s diplomatic mission in Syria’s Damascus.

Iranian president: Any new Israeli adventurism will face heavier response

Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi said, “Relying on Islamic Iran’s proud nation and the strong armed forces, I emphasize that any new adventurism against the interests of the Iranian nation will be met with a heavier and regrettable response.”

Iran staged an unprecedented operation from its own territory against the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime’s aggression against the Iranian Embassy’s consular section in the Syrian capital Damascus two weeks ago.

President Raisi praised the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) for launching the extensive operation involving dozens of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles.

He said, “The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, with the cooperation and coordination of all defense and political sectors of the country, opened a new page in the history of Iran’s authority and taught the Zionist enemy a lesson they will never forget.”

Although Israeli officials have threatened that they will respond to the Sunday attack, several Iranian military and political figures have warned the next Iranian retaliation will be more painful.

President Raisi described the strikes as decisive, saying the hybrid operation carries a message of power and grandeur.

Criticizing the inaction of the regional and international bodies regarding the Israeli deadly raid on Iran’s mission, President Raisi said the UN Security Council, under the influence of the US and a few supporters of the Zionist regime, has failed to fulfil its duties.

He said the Islamic Republic of Iran took the prudent and powerful measure to safeguard its interests, and protect its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

President Raisi added the Islamic Republic regards regional security as a prerequisite for its national security and will spare no efforts to restore and keep peace and stability in the region.

He warned the Zionist regime poses an immediate and continuous threat against regional peace and security.Emphasizing on Iran’s policy of neighbourliness, President Raisi added the prowess of the Islamic Republic of Iran serves the interests of the regional nations.

The Iranian president also said the Zionist regime’s genocide and violence against Palestinians is the root cause of the regional crisis, throwing Iran’s full support for the Resistance Front.

Any Israeli aggression will get ‘stronger’ response from Iran: Envoy

Amir Saeed Iravani

Iravani issued the warning in a letter sent to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier, after Iran’s decisive retaliation against the occupying regime’s April 1 terrorist attack on the Islamic Republic’s diplomatic mission in Syria.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required,” he said.

“Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute.”

Iravani also reaffirmed Iran’s “unwavering determination” to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of threats and “vigorously” retaliate against acts of aggression in accordance with international law.

Overnight on Saturday and early Sunday morning, Iran launched hundreds of retaliatory missiles and drones at military bases in the occupied territories.

The attack came less than two weeks after Israeli warplanes bombed the consular annex of Iran’s embassy in Damascus, killing seven IRGC members who were on an advisory mission to the Arab country.

The envoy emphasized that Iran’s retaliatory operation was an exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

“Regrettably, the United Nations Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law,” he added.

“As a responsible Member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region.”