About 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters took half in workouts organized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a month earlier than the October 7 assault on Israel, the Wall Avenue Journal claimed on Wednesday. Iran has categorically denied any function within the assault.
The “specialised fight coaching” happened in Iran and was led by officers of the IRGC’s Quds Power, in accordance with “individuals aware of intelligence associated to the assault.” The WSJ didn’t specify whether or not its sources had been American, Israeli or different.
In accordance with the identical sources, the workouts had been attended by Brigadier-Common Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Power, and “senior Palestinian officers.”
Nameless US officers advised the WSJ that Iran has “commonly skilled” militants, however there have been “no indications of a mass coaching” proper earlier than the October 7 incursion and “no info” that the coaching was particularly to arrange for it.
Round 1,400 Israelis had been killed and 200 taken captive within the shock assault by Hamas on army bases, villages and cities close to Gaza. West Jerusalem has responded by declaring struggle on the group and bombing Gaza with artillery and airstrikes.
Whereas the US has been cautious, Israel has brazenly accused Iran of aiding Hamas.
“Earlier than the struggle, Iran instantly assisted Hamas with cash, coaching and weapons and technological know-how,” Israel Protection Power (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated on Wednesday. “Even now, Iran helps Hamas with intelligence.”
In a televised deal with to the nation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel was combating a struggle in opposition to the “Iran-Hezbollah-Hamas axis of evil” on behalf of the “forces of freedom and progress.”
The WSJ has beforehand reported that the Quds Power “helped plan the assault” and gave approval for it to proceed at an October 2 assembly in Lebanon with Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The outlet claims its report has been confirmed by “senior Hamas and Hezbollah officers,” in addition to “an adviser to the Syrian authorities and a European official,” none of whom have been named.
Hamas official Ali Barakeh has denied these claims, telling AP on October 9 that Iranian safety officers didn’t plan the assault, and that it was organized by a handful of high Hamas commanders in utmost secrecy.
Talking on the UN Safety Council on Tuesday, Iran’s envoy to the UN Ami Saeid Iravani stated Tehran “categorically rejects” the “groundless allegations” by the US of Iranian involvement within the occasions of October 7, which he described as “Palestinian anti-occupation.”
“Our dedication to regional peace and stability stays unwavering,” Iravani added, noting that Iran “aligns with the worldwide group in endorsing the decision for a direct ceasefire” in Gaza.
You possibly can share this story on social media:
Supply hyperlink
