Israel killed a Hamas donor. Confusion over closure of airspace over Tehran. More information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
Insider: Iran wants to avoid uncontrollable escalation with Israel in the event of retaliation
9:35 p.m.: Iran wants to avoid an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict with Israel with the announced retaliation for the attack on its embassy in Damascus. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian signaled this during a visit to the Gulf state of Oman on Sunday, according to Iranian circles familiar with the events. In the past, Oman has often acted as an intermediary between the governments in Tehran and Washington. A spokesman for the US government, as well as the Iranian Foreign Ministry, declined to comment on the representations.
According to information from Iranian circles, Amirabdollahian has also signaled a willingness to de-escalate if certain demands are met. This includes a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, Israel rejects this as long as the terrorist Hamas, which is allied with Iran, is not completely destroyed. An insider close to the US intelligence community tells Reuters that Iran has made it “very clear” that its response to the attack on its embassy will be limited and not escalatory. Accordingly, the Islamic Republic plans to use “regional proxies” for a series of attacks on Israel.
Hamas chief: Killed sons were not fighters
7:29 p.m.: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh denies that his three sons killed in an Israeli attack were fighters for the radical Islamic group. According to Israel, they belonged to the armed wing of the terrorist organization Hamas. Haniyeh told Reuters that the deaths of his sons would not affect his stance in negotiations for a ceasefire: “The interests of the Palestinian people are above all else.” Hamas wants an agreement, but the “occupying power” is avoiding responding to Hamas’ demands.
Israel: Hamas donor killed in Gaza Strip
4:28 p.m.: Israel says it has killed an important financier of the terrorist organization Hamas in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip. As part of his work for Hamas, Jakub Jabber Nasser was responsible for financing a large part of the terrorist organization’s military activities in Rafah in the south of the sealed-off coastal area, the army said.
In December last year, Jabber Nasser transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas for its military activities. Israel’s military also said he was in Rafah and was “knocked out” in the attack.
Netanyahu: We are also preparing for scenarios outside Gaza
4:23 p.m.: According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is preparing for possible further conflicts in the region. “We are in the middle of the war in Gaza, but we are also preparing for scenarios in other areas,” Netanyahu said, according to his office. All security needs of the State of Israel will be met, both defensively and offensively. “Whoever harms us – we will harm them.”
Medic: Six dead in Israeli airstrike in Rafah
3:15 p.m.: Six people have been killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, according to medics. An Israeli army spokesman did not comment on the specific incident when asked. He simply said: “In response to Hamas’ barbaric attacks, the Israeli army is deployed to destroy Hamas’ military and administrative capabilities.” Unlike Hamas, the army adheres to international law and strives to reduce harm to civilians.
Concern about escalation: Baerbock calls Iran’s foreign minister
1:59 p.m.: In view of a possible escalation of violence between Iran and Israel, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock telephoned her counterpart from Tehran. The Foreign Office did not disclose details of the content of the Green Party politician’s conversation with Iran’s chief diplomat Hussein Amirabdollahian.
However, the ministry emphasizes that no one “can be interested in further regional escalation.” All actors in the region are called upon to act responsibly and exercise restraint.
