Hamas has killed 50 Palestinian fighters armed by Israel in Gaza, faction's associates say
Hamas has killed 50 fighters in recent months from a Palestinian gang armed by Israel in Gaza, according to a statement released amid reports that Israeli troops directly intervened this week to protect the faction.
According to media reports in Israel, clashes between Hamas fighters and members of a militia led by Yasser abu Shabab, known locally for his involvement in criminal activity, erupted early on Tuesday in Rafah.
The Israeli news channel i24 reported that Israeli soldiers had clashed with Hamas members in order to protect Abu Shabab from being killed, which resulted in deaths on both sides.
Israeli defence officials acknowledged last week that they had been arming the group, with the aim of undermining Hamas. Aid workers said the group had a long history of looting from UN trucks.
This week, an Israeli air force drone struck four Hamas militants in what i24 described as 'the first Israeli strike on Gaza whose sole objective was to assist the Abu Shabab militia', which it claimed was providing security to aid trucks passing from the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza.
Related: Israel accused of arming Palestinian gang who allegedly looted aid in Gaza
On Tuesday, in a long statement released to the press, Abu Shabab's militia, named the Anti-Terror Service or Popular Forces, said: 'Hamas has killed over 50 of our volunteers, including relatives of our leader, Yasser, as we guarded aid convoys and redistributed supplies that were otherwise destined for corrupt entities linked to Hamas.
''We've also cleared explosive remnants from the area – losing members in the process.'
The Israeli news outlet Ynet said Abu Shabab's militia had also ambushed Hamas members from the 'Arrow' unit, which is responsible for targeting collaborators with Israel, killing six of them.
On 7 October 2023, during Hamas's attack in Israel that ignited the war, Abu Shabab was languishing in a Hamas-run jail in Gaza on charges of drug trafficking. With the outbreak of the conflict, the Palestinian from Rafah managed to leave prison, though the circumstances of his release remain unclear.
His Israeli-armed gang now consists of more than 100 men who operate in eastern Rafah.
Abu Shabab has been nicknamed 'the Israeli agent' and described as a traitor on social media in Gaza. Hamas has publicly declared its intent to kill him.
'Had it not been for the intervention of the Zionist air force to protect the traitor Yasser Abu Shabab … he would have been in the grip of the resistance today,' it said in a statement.
'We will pursue the traitors no matter how long it takes and we affirm that the occupation's protection of him will not last, and we will reach him sooner or later.'
Israeli analysts have warned that the move by Israel to arm Abu Shabab could push Gaza to the brink of a civil war.
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Netanyahu calls on Iranians to ‘rise up'
Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Iranians to 'rise up' and overthrow Tehran's 'evil and oppressive regime'. As Iranian missiles rained down on Israel in retaliation for Thursday's devastating attack on its military leadership and nuclear sites, Mr Netanyahu addressed the Iranian public directly. 'As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom,' Israel's prime minister said in a video address. He added: 'Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.' Dozens of missiles were fired at Tel Aviv on Friday, in what the IDF said was an attack on civilians. The military said most of the missiles were either intercepted or fell short. At least 34 people were injured in the attack, according to emergency services. Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, said Iran had crossed 'red lines' in its strikes and vowed to ensure the Iranian regime 'pays a very heavy price for its heinous actions'. Iran also targeted Jerusalem in a second wave of missiles early on Saturday morning that activated Israel's defence system. We're closing this blog and launching a new one here to cover the latest news on Saturday. Here's a summary of what happened on Friday: Iranian ballistic missiles struck Tel Aviv as Tehran launched a retaliation against Israel The attack came after Israel launched waves of missiles at Iran in the early hours of Friday, decapitating the top layer of Tehran's military and hitting nuclear sites Donald Trump warned Iran's leaders that they faced complete destruction unless they agreed to a deal that put an Iranian nuclear bomb out of reach On Friday night, Iran claimed it had captured an Israeli pilot after the fighter jet attacks. Israel denied the reports Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, pledged to keep up the attack for 'as many days as it takes' to decapitate Iran's nuclear programme Those reported killed included Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the armed forces Read more: Full report: Iran launches missile strike on Tel Aviv How Tehran 'decapitations' signalled the start of Israel's onslaught Israel's military has told citizens that they can leave shelters across the country. It appears to signal that Iran's second wave of missile strikes is over. It is not yet clear what, if any, targets were hit, though there were reports of explosions in Jerusalem and another blast in Tel Aviv. Israeli media is also reporting that a suspected missile fell in Tel Aviv. Witnesses have reported blasts in Jerusalem as Iran's state media says the regime has launched another wave of missiles. Israel's military has told the public to seek shelter and remain there until further notice as air defences operate to intercept another group of Iranian missiles. It would be a second wave of attacks on Israel after Tehran fired a barrage of missiles on Friday evening, striking targets in Tel Aviv. Credit: standwithus/Instagram Iranians celebrate on the streets of Tehran after the regime's missile attack on Tel Aviv. New explosions have been reported over Tehran in the past few minutes. Iran's state media says its missile defence system has been activated. Iran's UN ambassador says 78 people have been killed and more than 320 injured in Israel's attacks. Israel's firefighting service said its teams were responding to several 'major' incidents resulting from an Iranian missile attack, including efforts to rescue people trapped in a high-rise building. 'Firefighting crews are handling several major incidents, mainly in the Dan region' around Tel Aviv, a statement said, adding that 'firefighters are working in a high-rise building to rescue trapped individuals and extinguish a fire, as well as responding to two additional destruction sites.' Footage from central Tel Aviv showed fire and smoke rising from a condo tower, a large hole ripped open by an explosion at its base. Credit: emilyintelaviv/Instagram 35 people have now been reported wounded in tonight's Iranian missile attacks on Israel, according to Israeli media. One woman was said to be in a critical condition, four in a moderate condition, nine in a light-to-moderate, while the rest are lightly hurt or suffering acute anxiety. The victims were taken to Beilinson, Sourasky and Sheba hospitals in central Israel. Donald Trump has reportedly spoken by phone with Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, about the clashes between Iran and Israel. The pair discussed the need to de-escalate, the US news site Axios reported. Iran fired less than 100 ballistic missiles, an IDF spokesman said. Brig Gen Effie Defrin said most of the missiles were intercepted by air defences of fell short before reaching Israel. 'There are a limited number of impacts on buildings, some were caused by interception fragments,' he added. The IDF earlier estimated that Iran had fired around 150 missiles. Benjamin Netanyahu has told Iranians that 'more is on the way', after Israel last night launched a devastating attack on Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership. 'More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker,' the Israeli prime minister said. 'This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard,' he added, addressing the Iranian people. 'As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom.' 'The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.' Crdit: Kan 11 22 people were injured in tonight's Iranian missile strikes on Israel, medics said. Two were said to be a serious condition, two in a moderate condition and the rest lightly hurt or suffering 'acute anxiety', Israeli media reported. Credit: X The IDF has told civilians they can leave bomb shelters but should remain close to them until further notice. 'Following the situational assessment, the Home Front Command published that it is now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country and to remain near them,' the military said in a statement. Iran has so far fired 150 missiles at Israel, according to new IDF estimates. The attacks came in two waves and there have so far been reports of nine impact sites. 15 people are reported to have wounded, medics said. The US is assisting Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles that have been launched at the country, the US news site Axios reported, citing an Israeli official and a senior US official. Firefighters are rushing to rescue people trapped in a high-rise in Tel Aviv amid missile attacks from Iran, Israeli firefighters said. 'Firefighting crews are handling several major incidents, mainly in the Dan region' around Tel Aviv, a statement said. It added: 'Firefighters are working in a high-rise building to rescue trapped individuals and extinguish a fire, as well as responding to two additional destruction sites.' Israel has vowed to strike back against Iran for tonight's missile attacks, Hebrew media reported. 'Iran will pay an unbearably heavy price for its fire at civilian areas,' an Israeli political source was quoted by Channel 12 as saying. The Times of Israel newspaper reported that remark appeared to refer to potential Israeli attacks on Iranian energy and infrastructure sites. Seven people were injured in Iran's missile attack, emergency services have said. Speaking on Israel's Channel 12, Eli Bin, the spokesman for the Magen David Adom rescue service, said that seven people were lightly injured in central Israel. Images on Channel 12 showed what appeared to be a residential building hit by a missile. Israel has denied Iranian reports that it downed an Israeli fighter jet and detained its pilot. At least seven sites in Tel Aviv and its surrounding area were hit in Iran's missile attack, an Israeli military official has said. The extent of the damage is unclear at this stage. Sirens are ringing out again in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv ahead of an anticipated second wave of attacks by Iran. Iran's supreme leader warned its military would 'inflict heavy blows' after Israel 'launched war' against Tehran. It comes as Israel braces for a second wave of missile strikes by Iran. A second wave of Iranian missiles is en route to Israel, according to media in Iran. The Israeli military also said rocket fire was continuing. Hundreds of ballistic missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel, marking the start of Tehran's response to intensive Israeli strikes, Iranian media has reported. The Israeli military has said 'dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles' are en route to Israel. Smoke could be seen billowing through the skyline in Tel Aviv this afternoon after Iran launched a missile at Israel. Several blasts were also heard over Jerusalem. An Israeli military spokesman said: 'Defence systems are working to intercept the threat.' Sirens can be heard ringing out across Israel as Iran continues its retaliatory attack. The Israeli military has said missiles are being launched from Iran. All citizens have been ordered into bomb shelters until further notice. Hospitals in Israel have begun to more patients to designated shelter areas as the country braces for Iran's response to ongoing strikes against its military and nuclear facilities. An incoming Iranian attack on central Israel cut short a live televised briefing by the IDF's spokesman this evening. 'The live feed of BG Defrin's statement was cut due to an incoming Iranian attack on central Israel,' an Israeli official said. Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei has warned Israel it will not 'remain unscathed' following a series of strikes against the country's nuclear and military sites. Tehran 'will not go for half measures in its response', he said in a televised address. The Israeli military said it struck Iran's nuclear facility in Isfahan as it pressed on with its strikes on the Islamic republic. 'I can now confirm that we struck the nuclear facility in Isfahan. The operation is still ongoing,' military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told journalists. The IDF claimed the site had undergone a process of 'reconversion of enriched uranium'. It comes after the military launched strikes against the Natanz nuclear site earlier this morning and Fordow this morning. So far, more than 200 targets in total have been struck, the military said. Israel's military has ordered residents to stay near protected spaces and avoid gatherings nationwide, as it continued to attack targets in Iran. 'The Home Front Command has now instructed residents across the country to remain close to protected spaces... public gatherings must be avoided,' the military said in a statement. It comes after sirens were heard ringing out in Jerusalem, which was targeted by a rocket launched from Yemen. Israel has admitted that its military cannot totally destroy Iran's nuclear programme using force. Tzachi Hanegbi, the country's security adviser, said the ongoing military campaign could 'create the conditions for a long-term deal, led by the United States, that will completely thwart the nuclear programme'. Donald Trump said earlier today that it was not too late for Iran to make a deal and told Axios that the strikes could help push along negotiations. Asked whether Israel's strike jeopardized his nuclear diplomacy, the president told Axios: 'I don't think so. Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously.' The US is positioning its warships and other military assets in the Middle East to protect Israel and American troops, officials have said. The U.S.S. Thomas Hudner naval destroyer was directed to move to the eastern Mediterranean, while a second destroyer is expected to follow, the New York Times reported. An additional fighter aircraft is also expected to arrive in the region soon. Israel's army chief said the military was keeping up 'full force' to achieve its goals after launching a wave of strikes on military and nuclear sites in Iran. 'We are continuing with full force, at a high pace, in order to meet the goals we have set for ourselves,' Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement. 'There will be difficult moments, we need to be prepared for the range of scenarios we have planned for, very high readiness and discipline are required on the home front.' Israel is bracing for 'several waves of attacks' in response to its ongoing strikes against Iran's military and nuclear sites. 'We expect to be exposed to several waves of Iranian attacks,' Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said in a video statement issued this afternoon. Iran described the attack as a 'declaration of war' and warned Israel it faced a 'bitter and painful' fate over the attacks. Israel has targeted one of Iran's most significant nuclear sites in a fresh round of attacks, according to reports. The Fordow nuclear site, buried in the mountains of Qom, is reportedly being targeted. Tehran has also been hit by multiple explosions, according to local media reports. It comes after the Israeli military said it was continuing attacks against missile launchers and drones in Iran. We'll bring you more as it comes in. Donald Trump has said it is unclear if Iran still has a nuclear program following Israeli strikes on the country. The president said the US still had nuclear talks planned with Iran on Sunday but that he is not sure if they will still take place. 'I tried to save Iran humiliation and death,' Mr Trump said, adding that it was not too late to make a deal. The president also said he was not concerned about a regional war breaking out. Earlier, Mr Trump said he was aware of the attacks as they happened. 'Heads-up? It wasn't a heads-up. It was, we know what's going on,' he told the Wall Street Journal. Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel informed the United States about its plans to attack Iran before carrying them out. 'I leave the American position to the Americans. We updated them ahead of time. They knew about the attack. What will they do now? I leave that to President (Donald) Trump. He makes his decisions independently,' the Israeli prime minister said. 'I am not going to speak for him (Trump). He does that very convincingly and assertively. He said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, they cannot have enrichment capabilities.' Mr Netanyahu also said the decision to attack Iran's nuclear facilities was made as far back as November last year. In his televised address, the Israeli prime minister claimed he issued the directive shortly after the assassination of the Hezbollah leader Nassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. Mr Netanyahu said the attack was originally planned for the end of April 2025, but said it could not be done for 'various reasons', without elaborating. The New York Times revealed in April that Mr Trump warned Mr Netanyahu off a unilateral attack in the spring because he wanted to give bilateral negotiations a chance. Israel's military said it has begun deploying reservists 'to all combat arenas throughout the country' after launching waves of strikes on military and nuclear sites in Iran. The military said in a statement that it 'began to deploy reservists from different units to all combat arenas throughout the country', calling it part of 'preparations for defence and offence across all arenas'. Israel uncovered Iranian plans for a surprise attack involving 'thousands of projectiles' and proxies, the country's United Nations ambassador has said. Danny Danon said that the threat from Iran took a 'dramatic turn' and Tehran had plans to 'invade' Israel. 'We won't sit quietly while our people are targeted, not again, not ever. Empty words will not stop Iran. Israel will,' he said from the United Nations in New York. Mr Danon also said Israeli strikes against Iran would continue until the threat is eliminated. 'We will continue to act until we will know that we have eliminated the threats from Iran,' Mr Danon added. He added: 'We don't know how long the operation in Iran will take.' Sir Keir Stamer has backed Israeli strikes against Iran and said the UK has 'grave concerns' about Tehran's nuclear programme. Speaking to Bloomberg after Israel's attacks, the Prime Minister said: 'We've long held concerns, grave concerns, about Iran's nuclear programme, and we absolutely recognise Israel's right to self defence.' But the Prime Minister also said he was 'very concerned' about escalation of tensions in the Middle East, adding: 'which is why, along with Germany and France, we're really clear that de-escalation is what is needed here.' The leaders of the UK, France and Germany earlier called for all sides to refrain from escalation. Mr Starmer is expected to speak to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, later today. The Foreign Office is monitoring the safety of its staff at the UK embassy in Tehran. Officials are concerned about possible reprisals against British embassy staff because other countries such as the US and Canada have closed theirs - meaning the UK mission could be the only target for anger. However, officials hope that social media statements by Sir Keir Starmer, David Lammy and foreign office minister Hamish Falconer that the UK did not support the Israeli action overnight will help matters. A government source said it was also unlikely that Britain would take part in any future action. Mr Lammy is expected to speak to his Iranian counterpart later today to make the point about the safety of embassy staff. It was around three o'clock in the morning when the first sounds of explosions could be heard across Tehran. Many in Iran's capital were jolted awake as missiles descended on the city. Soon afterwards, images of apartment blocks crumbling to the ground started to surface on social media. It was the start of a three-pronged attack that included precision missile strikes on generals, fighter jet attacks on nuclear sites and Mossad agents infiltrating the country. So far, strikes on more than a dozen sites across the Islamic Republic have been confirmed. A red 'flag of revenge' was seen atop the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, Iran, today following Israel's large-scale attack. The flag is purported to symbolise justice and revenge in Iran. Donald Trump has told Iran to make a deal over its nuclear programme or there will be 'nothing left' of the country. The US president warned there would be 'slaughter' if the regime refused to return to the table. 'There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end,' he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Mr Trump, who had prior knowledge of 'Operation Rising Lion', blamed the attacks on Iran stalling negotiations aimed at preventing the weaponisation of its nuclear programme. 'I gave Iran chance after chance to make a just couldn't get it done,' he said. Reeling from the attack, Tehran has pulled out of the next round of talks with the US scheduled for Sunday. The Israeli Air Force has continued to pound targets in Iran well into Friday. A statement by the IDF just after 4pm local time said that in the last few hours air force jets attacked the regime's surface-to-surface missile array. It said dozens of launch facilities and additional military infrastructure sites were destroyed. The IDF spokesman said that at one of the targeted sites in western Iran, a 'unique' launch mechanism was embedded within shipping containers. It comes ahead of an expected retaliatory strike by Iran against Israel using, amongst other things, ballistic missiles. The IDF spokesman said: 'Leaving these missiles in the hands of the Iranian regime poses a danger to the region and the entire world.' Earlier, the IDF said their overnight raids had involved around 200 aircraft using 330 different munitions across 100 targets. Israel's military said sirens sounded in the country's north this afternoon, hours after Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran. It was not immediately clear what triggered the sirens in several communities and areas near the border with Lebanon and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. State media has reported a loud blast near an airbase in the west of Iran. It follows reports that Israeli strikes were reportedly ongoing across Iran. We'll bring you more information as it comes in. Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak to Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Sir Keir Starmer today, his office has said. In the wake of Israel's attack on Iran, Mr Netanyahu has already spoken to Germany, India and France's leaders. 'The leaders showed understanding toward Israel's need to defend itself against the Iranian annihilation threat,' his office said in a statement. Mr Trump earlier revealed he was made aware of Israel's plans to strike Iran beforehand, but emphasised that the US did not take part. The president initially sought to distance himself from the attack, before seizing on the moment to demand Tehran return to the table to negotiate a nuclear deal or face 'more brutal' attacks. Iran's Fars news agency, citing security source, denied Israeli reports that Tehran has launched drones towards Israel on Friday, adding that Iran's revenge 'will take place in the near future'. Earlier today, Israel claimed than Tehran's military fired 100 drones at Israel in revenge, but 'most' were intercepted. Some 78 people were killed and 329 injured in Israeli attacks on residential areas in Tehran, according to local media reports. What a difference a few hours can make. Just this morning the message from the White House in the wake of Israel's strike was essentially 'nothing to do with us, guv'. Now on his Truth Social account President Trump is saying Iran must 'make a deal, before there is nothing left … [of] what was once known as the Iranian Empire.' The post is classic Trump, in turn blame-shifting, credit-claiming, transactional and threatening. One obvious reading of the US president's sharp change of tone is that he's hedging his bets; positioning himself to ride on the coattails of a great military victory if that transpires, while leaving himself just enough wriggle room to blame others if things backfire. Importantly, we also don't know yet to what extent Trump knew of, encouraged or discouraged Israel from hitting Iran. If Benjamin Netanyahu acted in defiance of the president's wishes, he would almost certainly not want the world to know it as it would make him look weak. His social media post covers off that risk too by making plain that while Israel pulled the trigger, he, Trump, remains the dominant player, able to pull the plug on Israel's arms shipments at any point. One of the most significant nuclear sites targeted by Israel was the Narantz site. It is the principle site for large-scale uranium enrichment, which can lead to the production of nuclear weapons. The site was known to have thousands of centrifuges and significantly contributed towards Iran's growing stockpile of enriched uranium. Iran accelerated production at the facility when Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Iran will make Israel 'regret' its deadly attack which targeted multiple areas including nuclear sites, the country's president has warned. 'The Iranian nation and the country's officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime, and the legitimate and powerful response of the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish act,' President Masoud Pezeshkian told state TV this afternoon. Trump's threat to Iran to agree a deal over its nuclear programme is likely to backfire. Such an approach does not draw Tehran to the negotiating table; it in fact does quite the opposite by pushing the latter away. To assume that pressuring Iran will lead to a favourable outcome suggests the Trump's administration is wildly miscalculating, misreading and misunderstanding the Islamic Republic. As expected, Iranian state media reports have already said that Iran will not participate in talks that were due this Sunday with the US in Oman. A senior nuclear official has also made clear that Iran will continue its nuclear activities, and that this latest attack has 'not affected our determination.' All this may even push Iran to follow through on previous threats to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. If Iran were to do so, that would mean losing access through the crucial, but already limited window of visibility through the UN's nuclear watchdog. Not just that – Trump's tough words could push Iran to get creative in its response. Though much of Iran's key military expertise and physical capabilities, along with many of its proxy militant groups, have been decimated by this and earlier Israeli attacks, Tehran could leverage cyberattacks with the support of China, Russia and North Korea. The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen could also be convinced to break their ceasefire with the US and begin launching attacks into the Red Sea – operations that severely disrupted global trade routes. Donald Trump has claimed that Israel struck Iran after a 60-day deadline expired to make a deal over its nuclear programme. 'Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to 'make a deal'. They should have done it!' the US president said on Truth Social. He went on: 'I told them what to do, but they just couldn't get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!' It comes after Mr Trump told ABC News that Israel's attack was 'excellent' and warned there was more to come. 'I think it's been excellent. We gave them a chance and they didn't take it. They got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you're going to get hit. And there's more to come. A lot more,' he said. Israel intercepted 'most' drones launched from Iran in response to air strikes on military and nuclear sites overnight, the country's military spokesman has said. 'Earlier, we alerted about a large-scale drone launch targeting our territory. Most of the targets were intercepted,' Israel's military spokesman said. 'The Israeli Air Force continues to operate to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran toward the State of Israel,' the military said shortly before the spokesman's statement. We've been given a look inside the home of Ali Shamkhani, a close aide to Iran's supreme leader, who was killed in Israel's overnight attack. Ali Shamkhani was one of three powerful Iranian officials to be killed in the attack, which targeted the country's top military and nuclear leadership. It is believe his bedroom was blown out in a precision strike. After mulling such action for 16 years, Israel has launched airstrikes at Iran's nuclear facilities – a mission fraught with peril not just for the Jewish state, but for the broader Middle East. The danger of a regional conflagration is higher than ever, and the world is holding its breath. In the darkest hours of the night, Israel forces struck military bases and nuclear sites across Iran, reportedly killing the country's three most senior generals and several leading nuclear scientists. Whether the aim is to end Iran's nuclear threat permanently or merely to delay its progress remains unclear. But these strikes most likely mark only the beginning. The main phase of the operation may still be to come. Israel has long prepared for this moment. The opening salvos make this clear. There were echoes of the metronomic precision seen in the first phase of its assault in Lebanon – even if this operation is far more ambitious and of vastly greater consequence. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility Natanz suffered 'significant damage'in Israeli strikes on Friday, Israel's military has claimed. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, a military spokesman, added that the Israeli military was working according to a gradual attack plan and that the operation may be lengthy, signalling more attacks were to come. Credit: social media Israeli airlines - El Al, Arkia and Israir - have moved their aircraft out of the country to an undisclosed location in anticipation of Iran's expected counterattack. The planes are being flown away empty as part of contingency plans, reports said. Iran has said Israel's attacks on its military and nuclear sites are a 'declaration of war'. The Iranian military fired 100 drones at Israel this morning as the opening salvo of its expected retaliation, which it pledged would be 'harsh and decisive'. In a letter to the United Nations, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, described the large-scale strikes as a 'declaration of war' and 'called on the Security Council to immediately address this issue'. Russia, one Iran's most key allies, said the timing of the 'unacceptable' strikes was 'particularly cynical' as it came two days ahead of the next round of nuclear talks with the US. Iran has announced it will no longer take part in the deal negotiations on Sunday. Israel has declared a state of emergency across the entire country and told its citizens to remain near bomb shelters. General Eyal Zamir, its military chief, warned that Iran's response would be worse than 'what we are used to'. Britain has no plans to defend Israel from an Iranian counterattack, defence forces said. Donald Trump, however, who had prior knowledge of the strikes, has promised to defend Washington's ally. Credit: Reuters Donald Trump has just given his reaction to Israel's attacks on Iran. Here is the statement: Israel's military said it strikes on Natanz, Iran's main uranium enrichment facility, had damaged its underground structures. 'As part of the attacks, the underground space at the site, which contains a multi-story enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms, and additional supporting infrastructure, was damaged,' the Israel Defence Forces said in a statement. 'In addition, vital infrastructure at the site that enables its continuous functioning and the continued advancement of the Iranian regime's project to obtain nuclear weapons, was attacked,' it added. The IDF has provided a little more detail on what, they say, worried Israeli military chiefs and politicians so much that it warranted last night's unilateral strike. In short, they say Iran has made significant recent advances towards a successful nuclear weapon, including the enrichment of uranium, needed for the 'core' to fuel the devastating explosion. We know that since Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Obama nuclear deal, Iran has reached 60 per cent enrichment, putting it within a 'sprint' distance of weapons-grade enrichment. However, we have heard less about the development of neutron sources - a key component for a bomb needed to kick-start the chain reaction. Israel says Iran is now developing these. They also say that Iran has been conducting radiation testing - a key indicator of its determination to develop a weapon. If true, what it amounts to is - more or less - the main constituent parts of building an operable warhead. What is missing is the process of miniaturising the warhead and placing it on a ballistic missile so it can be delivered in a militarily advantageous way. That's advanced stuff and it is the hardest bits of the research and development programme to do undetected. But just because Israel has apparently not detected it, does not mean it is not happening. And, even without miniaturisation, a warhead is still a warhead. It could be driven into Israel by truck or even smuggled in on a ship. Russia said the timing of Israel's 'unprovoked and unacceptable' attacks was 'particularly cynical' as it came two days ahead of the next round of nuclear talks with the US. Moscow, one Tehran's most key allies, urged restraint from both sides to prevent the escalation of tensions into a full-scale war. It also claimed, without evidence, that employees of the UN nuclear agency came under Israeli fire. Iran's supreme leader has swiftly appointed new Revolutionary Guards and armed forces chiefs to replace those killed in targeted Israeli strikes on Friday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei named Mohammad Pakpour to replace Hossein Salami as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Abdolrahim Mousavi to replace Mohammad Bagheri as head of the military. Donald Trump has admitted that he knew in advance of Israel's plans to strike Iran, stressing that Tehran 'cannot have a nuclear bomb'. The US president told Fox News on Friday that he was made aware of Operation 'Rising Lion' – which was carried out without Washington's help – before it happened. 'Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see there are several people in leadership in Iran that will not be coming back,' Mr Trump added. Mr Trump also stressed that the US is ready to defend its forces in the region and Israel if Iran retaliates. The president will be attending a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, said that his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu informed him of Israel's attack on Friday morning. He stressed that Israel has a right to defend itself and Iran should not develop nuclear weapons, but called on both sides to refrain from escalation. 'The Federal Government has repeatedly expressed concern about Iran's advanced nuclear weapons program for many years,' he said. 'This nuclear program violates the provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and poses a serious threat to the entire region, especially to the State of Israel.' He added that Germany will strengthen protections within his country for Jews and Israeli citizens. Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said the Natanz nuclear facility suffered 'damage' in Israel's attack. 'The attack has damaged several parts of the facility. Investigations are ongoing to assess the extent of damages,' the statement said. Earlier, we reported that the UN nuclear watchdog said there is currently no increase in radiation levels around the site. Credit: Reuters Credit: Reuters Israel's Mossad intelligence agency spent years preparing for the strikes against Iran's missile and nuclear sites, according to sources. The operation involved building a drone base close to Tehran. The drones were activated overnight, striking surface-to-surface missile launchers aimed at Israel, an official told The Times of Israel. In additional, precision weapons were smuggled inside Iran that took out Iran's air defences, allowing the overnight strikes to take place, the source said. Credit: Reuters Israel's military have just released a statement saying the air force had completed 'an extensive attack against the Iranian regime's air defence system in western Iran'. The military said 'dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers were destroyed' in the strikes which have improved 'the air force's freedom of aerial action'. Nato chief Mark Rutte has said it was 'crucial' for allies of Israel to work to de-escalate tensions. 'I think it is now crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. I know that they are doing that and I think that is now the first order of the day,' Mr Rutte told reporters at a press conference in Stockholm, noting it was a 'unilateral' action by Israel. Britain will not protect Israel as Iran retaliates against overnight Israeli strikes, sources have claimed. The UK 'has not been involved in Israel's strikes on Iran nor will it protect Israel as Iran retaliates like it did before, it is understood,' the defence editor of the Times newspaper said on X. In October 2024, when Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel, Britain said two of its fighter jets and an air-to-air refuelling tanker played a part in attempts to prevent further escalation, but that the jets did not engage any targets. Britain was not involved in Israel's strikes against Iran overnight and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged both sides to use restraint and return to diplomacy. Credit: Social Media Iran said Israel's deadly attacks underscored its need to advance uranium enrichment and missile capabilities. 'One should not speak to such a predatory regime except in the language of power,' the Iranian government said in a statement. 'The world now better understands Iran's insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power.' Analysts had estimated that Iran had enriched uranium to more than 60 per cent, putting it within 'weeks' of building a crude nuclear warhead. The price of oil surged after Israel launched a wave of strikes in Iran, killing the head of its army and raising the risk of war in the Middle East. Brent crude jumped by as much as 13pc to more than $78 a barrel - its biggest intraday gain since the early days of the Ukraine war in March 2022 - as uncertainty ramped up in global markets. Gold rose as much as 1.7pc close to a record high and the US dollar bounced back from the three-year lows hit on Thursday as investors sought out safe haven assets. Iran said it would launch a 'harsh and decisive' retaliation, pushing the price of oil higher and wiping out its losses so far this year Warren Patterson, an analyst at ING, said: 'We are back in an environment of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, leaving the oil market on tenterhooks and requiring it to start pricing in a larger risk premium for any potential supply disruptions.' Responding to Israel's strikes, Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the escalating situation a 'dangerous moment' and called on all parties ot 'show restraint'. Six nuclear scientists have been killed in Israel's strikes, according to Iranian state media. Nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi and theoretical physicist Dr Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi were named earlier as being among the dead. Israeli jets bombed Iran's Natanz nuclear site in the early hours of Friday morning, with explosions reported. The UN atomic watchdog said there is currently no increase in radiation levels at Natanz, Iran's main uranium enrichment facility. The IAEA added that the Bushehr nuclear power plant was not targeted during the attack. Iran has announced it will not participate in nuclear negotiations with the US on Sunday in Oman and until further notice. Earlier, we reported that Donald Trump said he wanted to get back to the negotiating table despite the overnight strikes on the Islamic Republic. Iran's Supreme Leader condemned the 'evil and bloody' Israeli strikes this morning, saying that Tehran's foe had revealed its 'wicked nature' by hitting residential areas. 'The regime should await a harsh response,' Ali Khamenei said. In a message to the nation, he said that several commanders and nuclear scientists were assassinated in the strikes, but that they would quickly be replaced. 'With this crime, the Zionist regime sealed for itself a bitter and painful destiny and will definitely see that [destiny] brought upon it,' he added. Israel's military chief has issued a chilling warning about the potential of Iran's counterattack to hurt civilians. General Eyal Zamir, chief of the general staff, announced 'Operation Rising Lion' as a mission to secure Israel's future. But he warned: 'Civilians of Israel, I can't promise absolute success - the Iranian regime will attempt to attack us in response, the expected toll will be different to what we are used to.' Iran fired around 300 missiles at Israel last year, but the casualties were minimal. However, there were indications from the attacks that Israel's sophisticated missile defence systems were capable of being overwhelmed. At around 6am BST, Israeli fighter jets were still conducting strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities, according to its military. 'Our pilots attacked and are still attacking military targets and targets related to the nuclear programme in various areas in Iran,' military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told journalists. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is concerned by the Israeli strikes on Iran as he urged all parties to show restraint. 'The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region,' he said. 'Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.' Israel's military said its jets carried out strikes on 'dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran'. It said 200 jets were involved in the raids, striking about 100 targets. Blasts were reported in the capital, where state television said fire and smoke were seen at a key site for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the city's east. Damage to residential buildings and civilian deaths were also reported by Iranian state media, along with at least 50 people, including women and children, said to be injured. Israeli military spokesman General Effie Defrin said that Iran has launched more than 100 drones towards Israel in the past few hours. While the drones will take several hours to reach Israel, the IDF is working to shoot them down, he said. This is the first sign of a retaliation from Iran after the spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces, General Shekarchi, said that a 'retaliation attack is definite'. 'We are in for a rough few hours', General Defrin said. Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel's attacks against Iran, calling them 'an aggression against Iran's sovereignty and security' and a 'flagrant violation of international law'. Some of the top Iranian officials killed by Israel overnight: Major-General Mohammad Bagheri Chief of staff of Iran's armed forces General Hossein Salami Commander-in-chief of the IRGC General Gholam Ali Rashid Senior commander of the IRGC Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari Nuclear engineering professor reportedly also killed Ali Shamkhani Top advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Mohammad Tehranchi Nuclear scientist Fereydoon Abbasi Nuclear scientist Israeli officials have cautioned that an Iranian response could involve the launch of hundreds of ballistic missiles. Israel is bracing for a response in the coming hours. Donald Trump says Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and that the US was hoping to get back to the negotiating table despite overnight Israeli airstrikes on the regime. The US president told Fox News: 'Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see.' 'There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back,' Mr Trump added, appearing to refer to the Iranian army's chief of staff and the commander of the IRGC who were killed by Israel this morning. Iran's state TV has confirmed that Mohammad Bagheri, the army's chief of staff, has been killed in an Israeli strike. International reaction has begun pouring in following Israel's overnight attack on Iran. New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, said the strike is 'a really unwelcome development in the Middle East'. He added: 'The risk of miscalculation is high. That region does not need any more military action, and risk associated with that.' Penny Wong, Australia's Foreign Minister, said its government was 'alarmed' by the escalation. 'This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile,' Ms Wong said. 'We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions.' Israel will pay a heavy price for its attack on Iran which killed top commander Hossein Salami, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement on Friday The military branch warned of a decisive retaliation against its 'sworn enemies'. 'The Israeli attack was carried out with full knowledge and support of the wicked rulers in the White House and terrorist US regime,' the IRGC said. They added that the US will 'receive a forceful slap'. A third wave of attacks is underway, with attacks reportedly striking radars and air defences in Iran, according to The New York Times. Israel's warplanes were in the air barely two hours after Donald Trump, the US president, had laid out the case for continuing talks with Iran at the weekend. 'We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue,' he posted on his Truth Social site. 'My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran.' Had Benjamin Netanyahu, the headstrong prime minister of Israel, not got the memo? Or was he sending a clear signal to Washington that he was not going to take orders from anyone. Read more: Israel is just getting started, but can a weakened Iran respond? Israel said it had no choice but to attack Iran, adding that it gathered intelligence that Tehran was approaching 'the point of no return' in its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. 'The Iranian regime has been working for decades to obtain a nuclear weapon. The world has attempted every possible diplomatic path to stop it, but the regime has refused to stop,' the Israeli military said in a statement. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is still alive and is being briefed about the situation, security sources have said. However, a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader and his former security chief, Ali Shamkhani, has been 'critically injured' in the strikes, according to state-run news outlet Nour. Iran's state media reports that the regime will respond 'decisively' on Friday morning. The regime has a number of missiles that have enough range to hit Israel. Explosion seen in the Iranian city of Ilam. Credit: @QudsNen/X Footage from Tasnim News Agency appears to show a building turned to rubble in Tehran following Israel's strikes. The White House press guidance for Friday has just been released. President Donald Trump is keeping his day clear apart from an 11 am meeting with his National Security Council in the Situation Room. This is a big test for the NSC. It has been slimmed down under Mr Trump and much of its responsibilities have been moved to the State Department, where Marco Rubio is both acting national security adviser and secretary of state. Iran's state media has said there is 'no sign of nuclear contamination' following Israel's strike on the Natanz nuclear site. Natanz is located in central Iran and is one of several nuclear enrichment sites. Iran has confirmed that the leader of its Revolutionary Guards has been killed in the attacks. General Hossein Salami, the commander of the IRGC, is one of four people confirmed dead so far by Tehran. Iran's state media is reported that the headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in Tehran has been hit in the attacks. Local media is also reporting smoke at the site. The IRGC is a branch of Iran's armed forces. The chief of Iran's military programme and senior members of its nuclear science team were killed in the strikes, according to the Times of Israel reported, citing a defence official. Dozens of commercial airliners were in Iranian airspace as the strikes took place, according to flight tracking websites. More than an hour after the Israeli attack, some were still making their way out of Iranian airspace, but some abruptly altered course to more quickly exit the area. Many nations' jets already did not overfly Iran because of regional tensions. US Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the Israeli strike 'a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence'. 'These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East and the safety of American citizens and forces,' he said. Images shared on social media appear to show smoke following blasts in Tehran: The Israeli prime minister has addressed his nation setting out the justification for striking Iran. In his video address, the Israeli prime minister said: 'For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for Israel's destruction. They've backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a programme to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs ... nine. 'In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before ... steps to weaponise this enriched uranium. If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year. It could be within a few months, less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival.' He added: 'We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz. 'We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. 'We also struck at the heart of Iran's ballistic missile program.' All the signs were there. On Wednesday, the US State Department announced that it was sending home non-essential staff from its Baghdad embassy and that other diplomatic facilities in the Middle East were battening down the hatches. Useful political cover followed for Israel a day later. The International Atomic Energy Agency formally declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades. Yet during the day, Donald Trump announced that talks were still the best option. 'We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!' he posted on Truth Social. And officials briefed that they would be attending the next round of talks in Oman. The bombs started falling on Iran after dark. It is inconceivable that American officials did not know Israel was launching strikes. Instead, Mr Trump's first thought has been to protect his people in the region by talking up his hopes that a diplomatic solution is possible and bringing Americans home from the danger zone. Whether it is enough to prevent the US being dragged further into conflict remains to be seen. Israel launched airstrikes against Iran after intelligence indicated the regime had enough fusion material to build 15 nuclear bombs 'within days', a military official has said. Codenamed Rising Lion, the Israeli operation - taking place without the US - is hitting targets related to Iran's nuclear programme and other military infrastructure. An Israeli official said: 'We have identified significant advancement to obtaining a nuclear weapon. These activities are taking place even while talks [between the US and Iran] are ongoing. 'If we don't act now, with each day we will have less chance. We have a gun to our head. We are nearing the point of no return. 'We have detected scientists working on both explosives and enriched uranium to build a core, with enough fusion material for 15 nuclear bombs within days.' Previously analysts believed that Iran had enriched uranium to more than 60 per cent, putting it within 'weeks' of building a crude nuclear warhead. The official said Israel had also detected a build-up of conventional ballistic missiles in Iran to be used against the Jewish state. As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes. Elsewhere in DC, Lord Mandelson, the British ambassador to the US, was entertaining guests at the Kings birthday reception. Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn't want — though officials there have repeatedly warned it could. The US has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of US troops in the wider Middle East. On Wednesday, Donald Trump appeared to suggest a strike was imminent. Pressed repeatedly about the US evacuations underway across parts of the Middle East, President Trump replied: 'It can be a dangerous place. We've received warnings. You'll have to wait and see.' The first images from the Israeli strike on Iran are emerging. Plumes of smoke are seen cascading from a building in Tehran. America's secretary of state, Marco Rubio has released a statement. He said: 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. 'Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.' Explosions are ringing across Tehran tonight. The attack comes amid increased tensions over Irans's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over its refusal to work with its inspectors. Iran announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones. An apartment building in Tehran can be seen burning these evening after an Israeli strike Iran's state TV station has said the country's air defence system is on full alert. A state of emergency has been declared in Israel as the country launches air strikes Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has declared an emergency situation across the country due to Israel's action in Iran. 'Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,' Mr Katz said. He says he has signed 'a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.' 'You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,' Katz adds. Sirens have just gone off across Israel to signal the start of a state of emergency. From now, there is a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors. Comes after reports that the US would not support Israel in attacking Iran, saying that the US is committed to a diplomatic resolution. Two US officials have confirmed to Reuters that Israel has attacked Iran. The strikes have been carried out without US assistance, the officials said. Israel has launched an attack on Iran, according to Israel's defence minister. It comes as Western officials have in recent days been bracing for a potentially imminent Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Follow the latest developments here. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Israel's drone strikes in Iran show why US must halt China's land grab here: experts
National security and China experts are warning that Israel's attack on Iran is an example of why Beijing's efforts to purchase land and other assets within the United States need to be stopped immediately. After the initial attacks began on Friday, news reports began surfacing indicating that Israel had secretly built a drone base on Iranian soil that it used to launch its attacks. The operation was years in the making, one Israeli security official told the Jewish Chronicle, adding that weapons systems and soldiers had been smuggled into the country ahead of time. "Look at the ways Israel penetrated Iran for sabotage operations. Now look at the Chinese companies and assets permeating the US power grid (solar converters), local law enforcement (DJI drones), and social media (TikTok)," China policy expert Michael Sobolik wrote in a post on X. "The CCP is preparing to paralyze us in a crisis." The Real Implications Of The Chinese Fungus Smuggling Gabriel Noronha, president of Polaris National Security, also drew parallels between the China land grab in the United States and the recent Ukrainian drone strike that decimated a significant portion of Russia's air fleet. The attack reportedly involved drones smuggled into Russia and released near airfields. "After Ukraine's drone operation in Russia and Israel's operation in Iran, it is obvious that America's enemies will try to replicate that playbook on our soil," Noronha said. "It is increasingly dangerous to allow Chinese companies and individuals to own land - especially near our military bases and critical infrastructure. Left unchecked, we are opening our land to host clandestine Chinese military bases to launch all sorts of attacks and cripple our nation in wartime." Read On The Fox News App After Ukraine's Surprise Drone Assault On Russia, New Attention Drawn To Sensitive Sites Stateside Officials in the United States have been sounding the alarm for years now about China's efforts to purchase land near military bases, and other strategic assets that could help them sabotage the country. Just recently, the Arizona legislature passed a bill meant to block Chinese entities from obtaining more than a 30% stake in Arizona real estate, but it was vetoed by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. According to the bill's sponsor, China had recently been trying to lease property near a major Air Force base in the state. Michael Lucci, the CEO and founder of State Armor Action, a conservative group with a mission to develop and enact state-level solutions to global security threats, warned Friday that if the United States does not get serious about interrupting China's asset grab, it risks losing a war with them. He said land grabs are just the "tip of the iceberg." "CCP land ownership is bad but it's tip of the iceberg," Lucci said. "Their industrial property holdings are worse, as is their port access. Perhaps worst of all is their deep penetration of critical infrastructure and govt systems." "I now understand the potential problem of the Chinese government owning land in America," added writer and podcast host Jamie article source: Israel's drone strikes in Iran show why US must halt China's land grab here: experts
UPI
43 minutes ago
- UPI
Judge allows Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil to remain detained
Pro-Palestinian protesters hold flags and signs at the Release Mahmoud Khaul, Hands Off Our Students, ICE off Our Campus rally in Lower Manhattan in New York City on March 10. ICE Immigration officers arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of the protests at Columbia University against Israel's war in Gaza. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 13 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Friday ruled that the Trump administration can continue to detain Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, two days after he said foreign policy grounds for his detention are insufficient and likely unconstitutional. Michael Farbiarz of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey in Newark made the decision after government lawyers presented a new filing. Farbiaz on Wednesday had stayed the preliminary injunction until Friday, giving the government time to appeal. The government said continuing to detain Khalil does not violate the injunction because he is now being detained based on "other grounds," such as being undocumented when he entered the United States. Also, they said Khalil could be held for failing to disclose all required information on his legal permanent resident application. The administration said that "an alien like Khalil may be detained during the pendency of removal proceedings regardless of the charge of removability. Khalil may seek release through the appropriate administrative processes, first before an officer of the Department of Homeland Security, and secondly through a custody redetermination hearing before an immigration judge." The judge, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, said Khalil can seek his release through a "bail application to the immigration judge. "To the extent the Petitioner requests relief from this Court, the request is denied," the judge ruled. In April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a memo, citing an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The secretary of state can deport noncitizens if the secretary determines their presence in the country would result in "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States." On Wednesday, the judge said that while the Department of Homeland Security might have a stronger and enforceable claim to detain and deport Khalil, Rubio's determination is not enough to warrant his continued detention and eventual deportation. Brett Max Kaufman, a senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, told NBC News: "The government practically never holds people in detention on a charge like this, and it's clear that the government is doing anything they can to punish Mahmoud for his speech about Palestine. We will not stop until he's home with his family." Khalil, who was born in 1995, grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and was granted permanent U.S. resident status. He led pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University last year. In March, he was arrested outside his student housing on campus and detained before the Trump administration accused him of leading "activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization." He has not been charged with any crime.
