Reactions to the death of Iran’s president in a helicopter crash

Update Reactions to the death of Iran’s president in a helicopter crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, above, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday. (AP)
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Updated 20 May 2024
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Reactions to the death of Iran’s president in a helicopter crash

Reactions to the death of Iran’s president in a helicopter crash
  • Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offer their condolences
  • Pakistan to observe a day of mourning and Pakistani flags to fly at half mast as a mark of respect

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to Iran after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash which also killed Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on X said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and those accompanying them following a tragic accident. We pray that God grants them eternal rest and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families. The UAE stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time.”

UAE Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also posted on X: “Our condolences and sincere sympathies to the brotherly Iranian people and their leadership on the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister in a painful accident. Our hearts are with you in this difficult time. Our prayers are that God will cover them with His vast mercy and dwell them in His spacious Paradise.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed on Monday his condolences, state media said.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, in a statement said: “Raisi and Abdollahian were known as “true, reliable friends of our country”.

“Their role in strengthening mutually beneficial Russian-Iranian cooperation and trusting partnership is invaluable.

“We sincerely extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to the entire friendly people of Iran. Our thoughts and hearts are with you in this sad hour.”

Russia’s embassy in Tehran also offered condolences over Raisi’s death, state news agency TASS reported.

China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences over Raisi’s death, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday expressed his condolences for the death of Raisi and Amirabdollahian, saying Raisi was a “valuable colleague and brother”.

“As a colleague who personally witnessed his efforts for the peace of the Iranian people and our region during his time in power, I remember Mr. Raisi with respect and gratitude,” Erdogan said on social media platform X, adding Turkey stood by Iran in this difficult time.

Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan also extended condolences to the Iranian people on the death of Raisi and Amirabdollahian.

The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad on X said: “Sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, and the accompanying officials in the painful helicopter accident, asking God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for them and for their families with patience and solace. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”

Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday extended his condolences for the deaths of Raisi and Amirabdollahian in a helicopter crash.

“Egypt mourns, with great sadness and grief” the Iranian president and Tehran’s top diplomat, “who passed away on Sunday following a painful accident,” the presidency said in a statement.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said in a statement: “With great sadness and sorrow, we have received the news of the death of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, along with their companions, in the unfortunate plane crash in northern Iran.”

He added, “We extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Mr. Ali Khamenei, and to the government and people of Iran. We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the responsible officials in the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy.

“We ask God to have mercy on the departed, and may He grant patience and solace to their families and loved ones.”

Syrian President Bashar Assad in a statement also offered condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader over death of the president and the foreign minister.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday he was “deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise” of Raisi after Iranian media reported he had died in a helicopter crash.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran,” Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter. “India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.”

Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X: “I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss. May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage.

“Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago. They were good friends of Pakistan. Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran.”

European Council president Charles Michel posted on X: “The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families.”

A Hamas statement conveyed Hamas’ “deepest condolences and solidarity” to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Iranian government, and the Iranian people for “this immense loss.”

It praised the deceased Iranian leaders for supporting the Palestinian cause and resistance against Israel and expressed confidence that Iran’s “deep-rooted institutions” will enable it to overcome “the repercussions of this great loss.”

Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi Supreme Revolutionary Committee, posted on X: “Our deepest condolences to the Iranian people, the Iranian leadership, and the families of President Raisi and the accompanying delegation on their reported martyrdom. We ask God to grant their families patience and solace. Verily we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. The Iranian people will remain adhering to the loyal leaders of their people, by God’s will.”

Lebanon’s Hezbollah expressed condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the death of President Raisi, a statement said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash, noting their shared commitment to bolstering ties.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said in a statement on social media.


Hamas seeking US guarantees over Gaza ceasefire plan

Hamas seeking US guarantees over Gaza ceasefire plan
Updated 57 min 4 sec ago
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Hamas seeking US guarantees over Gaza ceasefire plan

Hamas seeking US guarantees over Gaza ceasefire plan
  • Mediators Qatar and Egypt said Hamas had responded on Tuesday without giving details
  • US said Israel accepted the proposal, but Israel has not publicly stated this

GAZA: Hamas wants written guarantees from the United States for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip in order to sign off on a US-backed truce proposal, two Egyptian security sources said.
Mediators Qatar and Egypt said Hamas had responded on Tuesday to the phased ceasefire plan for an end to the eight-month war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, without giving details.
The plan was made public at the end of May by US President Joe Biden. It includes the gradual release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and pullback of Israeli forces over two phases, as well as the freeing of Palestinian prisoners, with the reconstruction of Gaza and return of the remains of deceased hostages in a third phase.
The United States has said Israel accepted the proposal, but Israel has not publicly stated this.
The Egyptian sources and a third source with knowledge of the talks said Hamas had concerns that the current proposal does not provide explicit guarantees over the transition from the first phase of the plan, which includes a six-week truce and the release of some hostages, to the second phase, which includes a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.
The Egyptian sources said Hamas would only accept the plan if the guarantees were in place, and Egypt was in contact with the US about the demand.
“Hamas wants reassurances of an automatic transition from one phase to another as per the agreement laid out by President Biden,” the third source said.
Hamas and Egyptian authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
When he announced the plan, Biden said that if negotiations to move to the second phase lasted longer than six weeks, the ceasefire would continue as those negotiations were extended.
Hamas said on Tuesday that its “positive” response to the proposal opened a “wide pathway” to reach an agreement.
But an Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity said Hamas had “changed all of the main and most meaningful parameters,” characterising the group’s response as a rejection of Biden’s proposal for a hostage release.
One non-Israeli official briefed on the matter, who also declined to be identified, said that in its response, Hamas had proposed a new timeline for a permanent ceasefire with Israel and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, including Rafah.
More than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, say health officials in the Hamas-ruled enclave.
The war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting some 250 others, according to Israeli tallies.
Negotiators from the US, Egypt and Qatar have been trying for months to mediate a ceasefire and free the hostages, more than 100 of whom are believed to remain captive in Gaza.


Gaza families desperate for water with no relief in sight

Gaza families desperate for water with no relief in sight
Updated 12 June 2024
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Gaza families desperate for water with no relief in sight

Gaza families desperate for water with no relief in sight
  • Israel’s retaliatory offensive has not only killed more than 37,000 people but created a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, fuel and medicine as well as water

GAZA: It is not only the ever-present danger from Israeli bombardment or ground fighting that makes life a trial for Gaza’s Palestinian civilians. It is also the sheer daily slog to find bare necessities such as water, to drink or cook or wash with.
For the Shenbary family, that can be a walk of 90 minutes, jerry cans at the ready, in the hope of finding a makeshift distribution point among the mounds of grey, dusty rubble of the Jabalia urban refugee camp in northern Gaza.
“Now that Jabalia has all been bulldozed, all the wells are bulldozed with it. There’s not a single water well left,” family father Ahmed Al-Shenbary said last Saturday. “Water is a big tragedy in Jabalia.”
The war started on Oct. 7 when Hamas, the group ruling Gaza, killed 1,200 people in Israel, according to Israeli tallies, and took another 250 or so to hold as hostages in Gaza, one of the most crowded places on earth.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has not only killed more than 37,000 people but created a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, fuel and medicine as well as water in a territory whose housing and infrastructure is now little more than rubble.
“Children and their families are having to use water from unsafe sources that are highly salinated or polluted,” said Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN children’s fund UNICEF.
“Without safe water, many more children will die from deprivation and disease in the coming days.”
People have dug wells in bleak areas near the sea where the bombing has pushed them, or rely on salty tap water from Gaza’s only aquifer, now contaminated with seawater and sewage.
Children walk long distances to line up at makeshift water collection points. Often not strong enough to carry the filled containers, they drag them home on wooden boards.
“As you see, we bathe our children in a small basin. It’s water from washing dishes, not clean water, because of the water shortages,” said Ahmed’s wife Fatima.
She bathes her son on the floor in the concrete shell of a wrecked school that now passes for their latest home after several forced relocations.
“We have hepatitis, which causes yellowing of the eyes,” she said. “We also have intestinal infections — not just me but the whole school ... Even ‘filtered water’ isn’t really filtered. We fool ourselves and pretend.”


Jordan condemns increased incursions by Israeli extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jordan condemns increased incursions by Israeli extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque
Updated 12 June 2024
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Jordan condemns increased incursions by Israeli extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jordan condemns increased incursions by Israeli extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN: Jordan strongly condemned ongoing and increasing incursions by extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque – Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, with the latest incident occurring on Wednesday under the protection of Israeli police.

“These provocative actions within Al-Haram Al-Sharif violate its sanctity and were marked by a significant presence of extremists in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem and at the gates of Al-Haram Al-Sharif, restricting the entry of worshipers into the mosque,” a statement from the Jordanian foreign ministry read.

Jordan is universally regarded as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.

The ministry described such actions as part of “a systematic Israeli policy that blatantly disregards international laws and Israel’s obligations as the occupying power in Jerusalem.”

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Al-Qudah warned that the continuing violations and provocations of the Israeli settlers contravene the established legal and historical status quo in occupied Jerusalem and its holy sites and constitute a violation of international law.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque - Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, Al-Qudah reiterated, and Israel has no sovereignty over it or over occupied East Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The official also stressed the necessity of respecting the authority of the Jerusalem Waqf Administration, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which is the sole authority responsible for managing all affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque - Al-Haram Al-Sharif and regulating entry into it.


Greek-owned ship damaged by small vessel in Red Sea – sources

Greek-owned ship damaged by small vessel in Red Sea – sources
Updated 47 min 10 sec ago
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Greek-owned ship damaged by small vessel in Red Sea – sources

Greek-owned ship damaged by small vessel in Red Sea – sources
  • The vessel, Tutor, was hit approximately 67.7 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s port of Hodeidah – security firm Ambrey

DUBAI: A Greek-owned cargo ship was struck by a small craft off Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah sustaining damage in its engine room, maritime security firms and shipping sources said on Wednesday.

The vessel, Tutor, was hit approximately 67.7 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s port of Hodeidah, said British security firm Ambrey, and the incident bore the hallmarks of an attack by Yemen’s Houthi militia.

“The vessel aligned with the Houthi target profile at the time of the incident,” Ambrey said in an advisory note.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a small, 5-7 meters long craft of white color collided with the cargo ship’s stern.

The Liberian-flagged vessel sustained damage in what appeared to be a deliberate attack, two Greek shipping sources said on condition of anonymity, adding that the engine room had taken in water.

The ship was sailing to India, a Greek shipping ministry source said, confirming the incident.

The vessel’s manager was not immediately available for comment.

Houthi militants, who control Yemen’s capital and most populous areas, have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea region since November in solidarity with the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas, drawing retaliatory US and British strikes since February.


At least 41 people killed in fire in southern Kuwait

At least 41 people killed in fire in southern Kuwait
Updated 12 June 2024
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At least 41 people killed in fire in southern Kuwait

At least 41 people killed in fire in southern Kuwait
  • The owner of the impacted building was arrested until investigations are complete
  • Kuwait municipality ordered to demolish violating properties without warning the violators.

KUWAIT: At least 41 people were killed in a fire that engulfed a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi Governorate, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Youssef Saud Al-Sabah said on Wednesday.

The owner of the impacted building was arrested until investigations are complete, said Al-Sabah.

“We will work to address the issue of labor overcrowding and neglect,” said Al-Sabah in a statement posted on news state agency KUNA.

Following the massive fire, the municipality has also been ordered to demolish violating properties from tomorrow (Thursday) without warning the violators.

Major General Eid Rashed Hamad from Kuwait police, during a media interview with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information, said at least 15 of the injured were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment, including four who were killed in the fire. The figures are not yet final.

 

 

According to state news agency KUNA, at least 43 people were hospitalized due to the fire.
The authorities said they had contained the fire and were investigating what caused it.

“We went to the site and the firefighting force controlled the fire, then the inspection began by an emergency team formed for such crises,” Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, the Director of (Forensic Evidence) said, according to a KUNA report quoting Kuwait TV.