Iran helped Hamas plan an attack on Israel on 7 October, The Wall Street Journal reported.
However, Tehran categorically denies its involvement. Iran’s representative at the UN says Iran has no ties to “Tawafan al-Aqsa,” as Palestinian groups call the attack. Tehran authorities say “Palestine’s resolute action represents a fully justified defence against seven decades of oppressive occupation and heinous crimes committed by the illegitimate Zionist regime”, reaffirming its continued support for Palestine.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Hamas representatives, together with officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had been working out a plan since August. The meetings were held in the Lebanese capital Beirut. An unnamed European official and an adviser to the Syrian government confirmed information about Iran’s role. Presumably, the decision to carry out the attack was made at a meeting in Beirut on 2 October.
The report said Tehran had threatened to launch missile strikes against Israel from Lebanon, Yemen and Iran in the event of any attack. In addition, Iran would send fighters from Syria to attack Tel Aviv. Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the United States has no evidence of Iran’s involvement in the Palestinian-Israeli escalation.
Hamas launched the Tawafan al-Aqsa operation on Saturday, firing thousands of rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip. In response, the Israeli army launched Operation Iron Swords and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Palestinians to evacuate Gaza, threatening to destroy Hamas and wipe off the map Gaza.
Islamic militants killed more than 700 Israelis and they captured dozens in the attack. The fighting is being called the bloodiest invasion since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago, prompting Israel to retaliate against the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
Some international airlines have temporarily suspended flights with Tel Aviv due to the active fighting. However, they promise that flights will be resumed as soon as the situation is safe.
