Iran has claimed that the devastating attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7 that resulted in more than a thousand Israeli casualties was in response to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani by the US. This attack marked the deadliest Palestinian attack on Israel in history, sparking a severe escalation in Gaza.
General Qasem Soleimani’s Assassination

Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad in 2020. This incident, ordered by President Donald Trump, became a pivotal event leading to heightened tensions in the region.
Trump’s Decision and Criticism

President Trump’s unilateral decision to kill Soleimani, done without notifying Congress, was met with mixed reactions, facing criticism both for its recklessness and support for labeling Soleimani a terrorist. This term was also used by presidential candidate Joe Biden.
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Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

The October 7 attack, named Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by Hamas, led to Israel launching its heaviest airstrikes against Gaza. These attacks resulted in at least 1,200 Israeli and over 20,600 Palestinian casualties, with a significant number of the latter being women and children.
Iran’s Claims and Hamas’ Rejection

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman, Ramazan Sharif, connected the Hamas attack to Soleimani’s death, calling it a revenge operation. However, Hamas refuted this, emphasizing their operation was in response to threats against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian people.
The Death of IRGC Adviser Sayyed Razi Mousavi

IRGC adviser Sayyed Razi Mousavi was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Damascus, with the IRGC acknowledging their awareness of Israel’s reasons. Sharif labeled Mousavi’s death as an act of terror and vowed continued resistance against Israel.
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Opinion from Diplomat Gordon Gray

Gordon Gray, an experienced diplomat and academic, expressed skepticism about the IRGC’s claim linking Soleimani’s death to the Hamas attack in an interview to Newsweek. He highlighted the IDF’s military superiority and raised questions about the conflict’s long-term implications.
Israel’s Right to Self-Defense

Gray affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, drawing a parallel between the October 7 attacks and the U.S. response to 9/11.He told Newsweek, “I don’t think that there’s any question that Israel, like any country, has a right to self-defense… That’s a concept that’s enshrined in the UN [United Nations] charter”.
Iranian President Raisi’s Statement

In response to Mousavi’s death, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned that Israel would “certainly pay the price,”. He pointed to the assassination as a sign of Israel’s frustration and regional weakness.
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IDF’s Strategy and Commitment

IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, addressing Mousavi’s death, underlined the IDF’s determination and readiness to defend Israel. He emphasized on coordination with security organizations across the Middle East.
Future Implications

The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region. The international community and regional players remain engaged, seeking paths to stability and peace amidst escalating global tensions.
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