Iran's embassy in Syria, in the Middle East, was attacked and senior military leaders were killed, and Iran blamed the attack on Israel and expressed its intention to take some form of retaliation. Israel, on the other hand, has denied any involvement.
Iranian state media reported on the 1st that the consular building of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, the capital of Syria, was destroyed in an Israeli missile attack, and that the Quds Force, an elite military unit of the Revolutionary Guards that carries out special missions overseas, was destroyed. It said seven people were killed, including one of the commanders and his deputy.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Kyan Ani issued a statement calling for an urgent response from the international community and the United Nations, saying that the action "must be condemned in the strongest terms" in violation of the Vienna Convention, which stipulates the protection of embassies, etc. "Iran has the right to take countermeasures," he said, indicating that he intended to take some form of retaliation.
On the other hand, an Israeli military spokesperson commented on the 1st, ``We do not refer to individual attacks reported in foreign media. We will continue to respond to achieve the objectives of the war.'' He did not admit any involvement.
Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps have been killed one after another in Syria since December last year in attacks believed to be carried out by Israel, but this is the first time that an overseas diplomatic mission has been attacked.
As the fighting between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas continues in the Gaza Strip, the conflict between Israel and Iran, which supports Hamas, is deepening, and there are concerns that this attack will further spread the chaos in the Middle East.
Israeli military spokesperson: ``Does not mention individual attacks''
An Israeli military spokesperson commented on the 1st, ``We do not comment on individual attacks reported in foreign media.We will continue to respond in order to achieve the objectives of the war.''
US White House press secretary: ``Investigation underway''
White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said at a press conference on the 1st, ``We are aware of the reports and our team is investigating.However, we have nothing further to say at this time.'' I stopped it.
State Department Spokesman Miller also said at a press conference, ``We are in contact with our regional partners and gathering information, but we do not yet know the target of the attack or who is responsible.'' That's always a concern."
Permanent mission of Iran to the United Nations requests emergency meeting of the Security Council
On the 1st, Iran's mission to the United Nations sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN ambassador to Malta, which holds this month's Security Council Presidency, stating, ``Israel's terrorist attack is a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law. '' and called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss a response. According to Malta, the country's chair, Russia also requested an emergency meeting and decided to hold it from 3pm on the 2nd, or 4am on the 3rd Japan time.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa announces resumption of funding to UNRWA
Regarding UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), there have been suspicions that some of its staff were involved in the attack on Israel by the Islamic group Hamas in October last year, and the Japanese government has suspended funding from January this year. Masu.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa met with Secretary-General Lazzarini at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week and confirmed that a new framework will be established to receive regular reports on whether contributed funds are being used appropriately.
Minister Kamikawa told reporters in the Diet, ``UNRWA is proceeding with measures to improve its governance.In response, we have decided to lift the temporary suspension of funding and provide support.'' announced that it would resume contributions.
He emphasized that ``the humanitarian situation in Palestine is urgent, and UNRWA's involvement is essential for humanitarian assistance.'' According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it will provide support as soon as preparations are made for the approximately 5.3 billion yen (approximately 35 million dollars in Japanese yen) that was included in last year's supplementary budget.
NGO staff killed in Israeli attack
World Central Kitchen, an international NGO that continues to carry out food relief activities in the Gaza Strip and other areas in Palestine, posted on social media on the 1st that several of its staff working in the Gaza Strip were killed in an attack by the Israeli military. It was announced in
According to the Associated Press, five people were killed: a British national, a Polish national, an Australian national, a Palestinian driver, and an unknown nationality. This means that he appears to have been involved in this.
Footage taken on the 1st in Deir Baraha, central Gaza Strip, distributed by the Associated Press shows a person wearing an NGO patch being taken to a hospital and the cover of a passport, believed to be from his country of origin, shown. .
In a post on social media, World Central Kitchen strongly condemned the attack, saying, ``This is a tragedy. Civilians and humanitarian workers should never be targeted.''
Meanwhile, the Israeli military posted on social media, saying, ``The military is conducting a thorough investigation at the highest level to clarify the circumstances of this tragic incident.'' As the damage in the Gaza Strip spreads to foreigners involved in aid activities, it is expected that international criticism of the Israeli military's military operations will further increase.
US and Israel hold talks over Rafah ground operation
While the Israeli military remains committed to carrying out ground operations in Rafah, the southern part of the Gaza Strip, where nearly 1.5 million people are sheltering, the White House announced on the 1st that senior government officials from the United States and Israel will hold discussions regarding ground operations in an online format. announced that he had gone.
The talks lasted two hours and were attended by Secretary of State Blinken and National Security Advisor Sullivan from the US side, Strategic Affairs Minister Delmer and National Security Advisor Hanegbi from the Israeli side, as well as senior officials and experts from various ministries. That's it.
According to a joint statement released after the talks, senior officials from both countries agreed that the Islamic organization Hamas should be defeated in Rafah, but the US side reiterated its concerns about carrying out ground operations.
In response, the Israeli side stated that they had agreed to continue talks based on their concerns. White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said at a press conference on the 1st, ``If we are going to proceed with the operation, we must consult and understand how to proceed.''Israel's side will take steps to prevent civilian casualties. He expressed his intention to continue working with the government.