The Wall Street Journal's Sunday evening report indicates that Iranian security officials played a role in assisting Hamas in planning a surprise attack against Israel. These officials allegedly provided approval for the attack during a series of meetings held in Beirut, with the most recent meeting occurring just a week ago. This information is based on claims made by senior officials within both Hamas and Hezbollah, the latter being an organization supported by Iran.
According to these senior officials from Hezbollah and Hamas, officers from Iran's Revolutionary Guards have been collaborating with Hamas since August to plan a comprehensive attack against Israel, involving air, sea, and land elements. Over recent weeks, these plans were refined during meetings held in the Lebanese capital, which were attended not only by Hamas and Hezbollah members but also by members of two pro-Iranian militias.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken finaly had to admit that cutting the $6,000,000,000 check to Iran caused Hamas to attack Israel.pic.twitter.com/I7DxAFfrWH
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 9, 2023
The Wall Street Journal report states that after the last meeting in Beirut, the Iranians concluded that the attack planning was complete and gave Hamas the final authorization to proceed. It's worth noting that Iran denied any involvement in the surprise attack, with Iran's UN envoy characterizing Palestine's actions as a legitimate defense against decades of perceived oppression by the "illegitimate Zionist regime." They stressed support for Palestine while asserting non-involvement in the specific response carried out by Palestinians.
Officials in the United States, however, have not found evidence of Iranian involvement in the attack at this time. While acknowledging the historical relationship between Iran and Hamas, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that there was no evidence to suggest Iran directed or orchestrated this particular attack.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi praised the Hamas attack as a "victory" during a conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Raisi expressed happiness on behalf of the Islamic nation, commended the "heroism on the battlefield" of Hamas's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, and emphasized Iran's ongoing support for the "resistance" and the Palestinian people. In response, Haniyeh expressed gratitude for Iran's stance and claimed that the resistance had disrupted Israel's positions, resulting in casualties and captures.
Spokesperson for Hamas: “We thank Iran who provided us with weapons, money and other equipment. They gave us missiles to destroy Zionist fortresses, and helped us with anti-tank missiles!”
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) October 8, 2023
Looks like the $6 billion Biden gave Iran is being well spent…pic.twitter.com/JkyevqBmoO
In the Gaza Strip at the same time, many are beginning to understand that the Hamas organization's actions will have dire consequences. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced 380 deaths and 2,200 wounded as a result of IDF attacks in the Gaza Strip since Hamas launched its attack on Israel. The Hamas organization announced the destruction of 160 houses and damage to more than 1,200 others.
