Day: April 14, 2024

ISTANBUL: European countries condemned Iran for its retaliatory attacks on Israel overnight. Iran has launched dozens of drones towards Israel, in response to the April 1 attack on its consulate in Syria which killed senior military commanders. 'Iran has once again demonstrated that its intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard,' British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement. He reiterated that London's persistence to stand up for Tel Aviv's security 'that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.' Similarly, Foreign Secretary David Cameroon said on X, "Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one's interest." British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced, "Additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers have deployed to the Middle East to bolster Op Shader, the UK's existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria." French Foreign Mi nister Stephane Sejourne said, "France condemns in the strongest terms the attack launched by Iran against Israel." Accusing Iran of taking the risk of a military escalation, he added: "France reaffirms its attachment to Israel's security and assures it of its solidarity." 'Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed,' Sejourne concluded. Germany 'strongly condemned' Iran's attack and urged Tehran to immediately end its military action. 'We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which has the potential to plunge an entire region into chaos,' Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X. 'Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Our entire solidarity goes out to Israel in these hours.' Moreover, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said: Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned in the strongest possible terms the heavy air strikes on Israeli territory launched tonight by the regime in Tehran. With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran is risking a regional conflagration. In these difficult times, Germany stands closely by Israel. We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies." Italy also expressed its concern over Iran's attacks on Israel. 'We are following with attention and concern what is happening in the Middle East,' said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X. Tajani said he maintains ongoing communication with the Italian embassies both in Tel Aviv and Tehran. 'Having consulted the prime minister and the defense minister, the government is ready to manage any type of scenario," he said. Reiterating Italy's condemnation of Iranian attacks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said that the G7 leaders will have a video conference Sunday afternoon. 'Further escalation must be avoided' Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, for his part, called the situation after the recent development "very worrying." "Earlier today the Netherlands and other c ountries told Iran loud and clear to refrain from attacking Israel," Rutte said, adding that the Netherlands "strongly condemns" Iran's attacks on Israel. "Further escalation must be avoided," he urged. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen condemned the development. "I urge everyone to show restraint and deescalate the situation," he said. "Iran's destabilising role in the Middle East is unacceptable - and so is this attack.' EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen "strongly" condemned Iran's "blatant and unjustifiable" attack on Israel. "And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks. All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region," she wrote on X. The EU joined condemnation messages as its foreign policy chief said any Iranian attack on Israel would be "unacceptable." "The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel," said Josep Borrell. "This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave thre at to regional security." His remarks were followed by Charles Michel, the president of the European Council. "Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation," Michel said and urged: "More bloodshed must be avoided." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, "We follow the events in the Middle East with utmost concern. A regional escalation must be avoided at all costs.' Sanchez stressed that Madrid is in permanent contact with embassies in the region to serve Spaniards in the area. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said his government "vehemently condemns" Iran's attack on Israel, calling for restraint to avoid an escalation of violence. Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris condemned the "reckless" attack, urging all sides to "show restraint now and to avoid any escalation in military action and the devastation that would cause" On X, Sweden's Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom called for de-escalation of an "already deteriorating" regional security situation by condemning the attack. "Iceland condemns Iran's attack on Israel. It is as important as ever to show restraint to prevent further escalation of an already extremely serious situation in the region," Iceland's Foreign Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord said. Poland's Foreign Ministry's urged "Iran and its allies to exercise restraint and immediately cease hostilities." It condemned the attack "in strongest terms." "We urge Iran ensuring stability and peace in the region is paramount," it added. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Norway is "deeply worried by developments," and condemned the Iranian attacks. Calling the Iranian attack "illegal and dangerous," Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the development and warned that the attack would further "deteriorate an already extremely volatile situation." Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed a "firm commitment" to Israel's security and said: "Iran's attack on Israel is to be condemned in the strongest possible terms." Nehammer also called on Ira n to immediately stop the hostilities. Greek government "unequivocally condemns" Iran's attacks which constitute a "severe deterioration" of the already strained situation in the region. "Such actions pose a significant danger to both regional and international security. It is absolutely essential to prevent any further spread of hostilities," the Foreign Ministry wrote on X. Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" following the "unacceptable Iranian attack," saying this is an "unprecedented escalation." "Lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East could be achieved only with full respect for the founding principles of the Charter of the UN and all relevant international treaties and conventions," the ministry said in a statement. 'Immediate cease-fire long overdue' "I strongly condemn #Iran's attack on #Israel. Further escalation must be avoided," Slovakia's President Zuzana Caputova wrote on X. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Iran's direct attack on Israel is a "danger ous escalation of violence" in the region. Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo "strongly condemns" Iran's "reckless attack" on Israel, saying it is now of utmost importance to de-escalate. "We condemn last night's attack against Israel, and pray for the safety of the Israeli people," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote on X. Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg said he "unreservedly condemn" the attacks, urging "maximum restraint" by all parties. "I condemn this large-scale attack on Israel and urge all parties to show restraint. An immediate ceasefire is long overdue," he wrote on X. Moldovan Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with Israel by condemning the attack. "Now, more than ever, the world needs to prioritize ending hostilities and fostering lasting peace," Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti wrote on X, condemning the attack. Czech Republic's Foreign Ministry "firmly condemns the destabilizing behavior of Iran and its proxies," reiterating "Israeli right to self-defense." Estonia's Fo reign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the attacks and urged everyone to work towards de-escalating. Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said his country "strongly condemns" the Iranian drone and missile attacks, saying this is "another threat to regional security." Romania's Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu expressed "deep concern," saying her country "strongly condemns" Iran's attack and calls for avoiding further escalation. Slovenia's Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian attacks and called for de-escalation and restraint. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis also condemned the attack and called on everyone to show utmost restraint. Latvian Foreign Ministry said it condemns the attack "in the strongest terms possible," and mentioned the need for "immediate de-escalation." Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani said that his country "strongly condemns" Iran's attack, saying this escalation is "a grave threat to the security of Israel and the entire region." Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that Trkiye does not want any further escalation in the region after Tehran's retaliation against Israel. According to information obtained from diplomatic sources, in a phone call, the Iranian top diplomat said the retaliatory operation against Israel has ended and that Iran will not launch a new operation unless it is attacked. Amir-Abdollahian further stated that if Iran is attacked again, it will give a "stronger response" this time. Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. The attack, which killed seven Iranian military officials, including a senior IRGC commander, drew sharp reactions from the Iranian government officials, who vowed "decisive response." According to some unconfirmed reports, IRGC fired more than 300 drones and missiles in an attack that lasted several hours, many of whi ch were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: At least 43 more Palestinians were killed and 62 others injured over the last 24 hours, as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said on Sunday. 'The Israeli occupation (forces) committed four massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 43 martyrs and 62 injured during the past 24 hours,' a ministry statement said. 'Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,' it added. Flouting the International Court of Justice's provisional ruling, Israel continues its onslaught on the Gaza Strip where at least 33,729 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and 76,371 injured since Oct. 7, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people. The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, cl ean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Hostilities have continued unabated, however, and aid deliveries remain woefully insufficient to address the humanitarian catastrophe. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Russia said on Sunday that it is 'extremely concerned' about another 'dangerous escalation' in the Middle East, as Iran launched an overnight attack on Israeli territory. 'We express our utmost concern about another dangerous escalation in the region. We have repeatedly warned that the unresolved nature of numerous crises in the Middle East, primarily in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will lead to increased tension,' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Expressing that the overnight attack, according to an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement, was carried out in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to an airstrike on Tehran's embassy in Syria earlier this month, the statement said the UN Security Council was unable to adequately respond to the attack "due to the position of its Western members." The statement called on all parties involved to exercise restraint, expressing Moscow's hope that region al states will resolve existing problems in the region through political and diplomatic means. It further said Russia believes it is important that 'constructive international players' contribute to these efforts. Iran began an airborne attack Saturday against Israel in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its diplomatic facility in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The strike killed at least seven members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two top generals. Tehran has accused Israel of carrying out the attack and vowed to respond. Tel Aviv has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack but it has for months carried out several strikes against Iranian targets across Syria. Iran and Hezbollah, its main ally in Lebanon, have said the attack will not go unpunished. 'Gaza threatens Biden's election prospects' In a separate statement on Telegram, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev argued the difference between the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and what is happening in the Mi ddle East, saying the US does not want a big war in the latter case. Expressing the US tries to maintain balance and show restraint in the case of the Middle East, Medvedev, who currently serves as the deputy head of the Russian Security Council, said that the conflict in Gaza threatens US President Joe Biden's election prospects and that the war between Israel and Iran adds "further uncertainty." Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Several Arab countries announced on Sunday the reopening of their airspace to air traffic and the resumption of the operation of their airports after a suspension that lasted for hours due to the Iranian attack on Israel. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport said on Sunday that the country reopened its airspace to all arriving, departing and transiting aircraft after closing it at night due to the developments taking place in the region. The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority also announced the reopening of its airspace to all aircraft arriving, departing, and crossing the country's airspace. 'The opening of the airspace came after overcoming all risks that affect the security and safety of civil aviation in Iraq,' it said. The Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority also announced Sunday the reopening of the Kingdom's airspace to air traffic at 8:15 a.m. local time (0515GMT). 'The airspace was reopened after re-evaluating the risks according to national and international stand ards for safety and security of civil aviation,' Haitham Misto, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aviation Authority, said in a statement. Iran conducted an airborne attack Saturday against Israel in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its diplomatic facility in the Syrian capital. The strike killed at least seven members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two top generals. Tehran has accused Israel of carrying out the attack and vowed to respond. Tel Aviv has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack but it has for months carried out several strikes against Iranian targets across Syria. Iran and Hezbollah, its main ally in Lebanon, have said the attack will not go unpunished. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Colombia's President Gustavo Petro voiced Sunday disapproval towards the Organization of American States (OAS) for its support to Israel in the aftermath of Iran's attack on Israel. "Genocide is and precedes all barbarism, so the OAS must express itself in the utmost objective of peace; everything else is nothing more than geopolitical propaganda that only leads to human destruction," said Gustavo Petro on X, quoting the OAS statement. Petro stressed that the OAS' objective must be "global peace, not Iran or Israel," and that as "independent republics," they must bet on this "without masters." The OAS statement "unequivocally" condemned Iran's attack and expressed "total solidarity" with the government and citizens of Israel. "The Iranian regime, breaking the most basic norms of international law, continues to be a source of instability in the region and in the world in general,' the statement said on Saturday. The statement added that Iran poses a "global threat" due to its history of attacks on Israel, including those in the Americas. Iran's "fundamentalism and hatred" fuel war, according to the OAS. "Peace requires that nations, peoples and individuals exercise their right to self-defense to combat terrorism, armed aggression and exercise the protection of their people, as an ethical and legal imperative," it concluded. On April 1, Israel conducted an airstrike on Iran's consulate building in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps generals. Iran declared Israel's attack as an assault on its territory and vowed retaliation, while Israel promised a response to Iran's actions. On Saturday, Iran launched extensive attacks on Israel, utilizing kamikaze drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles. While Iran claimed hits on certain military targets, Israel asserted that most of the attacks were thwarted by air defense systems, although a missile did strike a military base in the southern region. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Pope Francis on Sunday said he is watching the developments in the Middle East with concern and pain. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday, in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed several Iranian commanders. "I make a heartfelt appeal to halt any action that might fuel a spiral of violence, with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater military conflict," Pope Francis said on X. Saying that no-one should threaten the existence of others, Pope Francis added: "May all the nations instead take the side of peace, and help Israelis and Palestinians live in two States, side by side, in safety. It is their deep and legitimate desire, and it is their right! Two neighboring States." "Let there be a cease-fire in Gaza soon, and let us pursue the paths of negotiation, with determination. Let us help that population, plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe; let the hostages ki dnapped months ago be released! So much suffering! Let us pray for peace," he said. "No more war, no more attacks, no more violence! Yes to dialogue and yes to peace! Let us pray together for peace." Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: The Israeli army has been committing an average of 16 massacres daily in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 where it has been carrying out attacks for over six months, according to the Gaza government. The Gaza government's Media Office issued a statement detailing the 190-day-long bombardment carried out by Israel on Gaza. 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 33,686 fatalities and 76,309 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 trag ically 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 t han 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. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: France on Sunday recommended its nationals in Iran to temporarily leave the country amid regional tensions following Tehran's retaliatory attack on Israel. The Foreign Ministry in a statement pointed the 'risk of military escalation' and called all French nationals to avoid gatherings and to move with caution. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed several Iranian commanders. The IRGC is said to have fired more than 300 drones and missiles in an attack that lasted several hours, many of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. The US, UK and France also helped ward off the attack. Source: Anadolu Agency