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Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024

Russia, Iran warn against further escalation in Middle East| Highlights

Iran–Israel conflict Highlights: The unprecedented Iranian attack on Jerusalem has thrown the region into deeper crisis.
Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: This video grab shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem sky during Iranian attack on Israel.
Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: This video grab shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem sky during Iranian attack on Israel.

Welcome to our live coverage of the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, which threaten to plunge the region into a deeper crisis. The situation has taken a dramatic turn as Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, marking a significant escalation in the long-running covert war between the two regional foes....Read More

As reports of air raid sirens emerge from various locations, including northern and southern Israel, the northern West Bank, and the Dead Sea near the Jordanian border, the extent of the damage remains unclear. The Israeli military said it working with the United States and other partners in the region in order to act against the launches and intercept them. U.S. forces reportedly downed some of the Iran-launched drones flying toward Israel.

Global outcry over Iran's attack on Israel sparks diplomatic frenzy. Who said what

With tensions already at a boiling point, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed their role in the retaliatory strikes, employing both drones and ballistic missiles in their assault on Israeli targets. 

This latest exchange of hostilities follows Iran's repeated threats of retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its Damascus consular annex, an attack that claimed the lives of several Iranian Guards, including high-ranking officers.

In this live blog, we aim to provide you with minute-by-minute updates on the evolving situation, offering detailed analysis, expert commentary, and insights into the geopolitical dynamics at play.

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Apr 14, 2024 7:50 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: What has happened so far in 10 points

Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory using a swarm of explosive drones and missiles.

Israel pledged a response to the attack, which caused light damage to a military facility.

The attack was in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's Damascus consulate earlier in April.

The United Nations and various countries condemned Iran's actions, expressing concerns about escalating regional tensions.

Netanyahu held a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden.

Biden lauded American forces who helped Israel down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles fired by Iran.

The US President vowed to coordinate a global response to Tehran's unprecedented attack.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, requested the US Security Council hold an emergency meeting.

The UN Security Council is set to meet today at Israel's request.

Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Iran in a show of support for the attack against arch-enemy Israel.

Apr 14, 2024 10:26 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Turkey tells US it is worried about escalation of Middle East crisis

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken in a call on Sunday that Ankara was worried about the potential spread and escalation of the crisis in the Middle East after Iran's attacks on Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source said. 

Fidan told Blinken that the root cause of the crisis in the region was the war in Gaza, and that an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access of humanitarian aid was needed in the enclave, the source said.

Apr 14, 2024 10:20 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Russian, Iranian foreign ministers warn against further escalation in Middle East

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian noted on Sunday that escalation of the situation and "provocative acts" could boost tension in the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. 

"It was noted that a further escalation of tensions in the region and new, dangerous provocative actions could lead to a boost in tensions in the Middle East," the ministry said of a telephone call between the two ministers.

Apr 14, 2024 10:19 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Israeli military calling up reservists for more Gaza operations

The Israeli military said on Sunday it will soon call up two reserve divisions for operations in Gaza, where it has been conducting a war against Islamist militant group Hamas. 

"In accordance with the situational assessment, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is calling up approximately two reserve brigades for operational activities on the Gazan front," the military said, though it provided no further details. 

Earlier this month Israel pulled some forces out of Gaza, saying troops would be preparing for further operations in the territory, including in the southern area of Rafah, where more than a million people have taken shelter. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to evacuate civilians from Rafah before any incursion aimed at crushing Hamas battalions there, but that has done little to quell international concern over the planned assault.

Apr 14, 2024 10:07 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran risks 'uncontrollable regional escalation', warns G7

Leaders of the G7 nations condemned Iran's attack on Israel and said on Sunday that they would work to try to stabilise the situation in the Middle East. 

"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," a statement issued by G7 president Italy said after a video conference involving the group's leaders.

Apr 14, 2024 10:06 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Israel says 99% of drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted

Israel praised the success of its defenses in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles while tensions ran high over a possible Israeli counter-strike.

An Israeli military spokesman said Sunday the launches numbered more than 300, but 99% of them were intercepted. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

Apr 14, 2024 9:49 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Hamas backs Iran for retaliatory strikes on Israel in response to Damascus assault

Hamas has thrown its support behind Iran following a series of retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel in response to a fatal assault on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, Al Jazeera reported. In a statement released on Saturday, Hamas, which governs the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, voiced solidarity with Iran, asserting the "natural right" of Middle Eastern countries and peoples to defend themselves against "Zionist aggressions." "The military operation carried out by Iran against the Zionist entity is a natural right and a due response to the crime of targeting the consulate in Damascus," it said.

Apr 14, 2024 9:49 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Lebanese Hezbollah praises Iranian attack on Israel as a 'brave' decision

Lebanese group Hezbollah on Sunday praised Iran's attack on Israel, describing it as a "brave" decision. Iran-backed Hezbollah added in a statement that Iran had exercised its legal rights despite "threats, intimidation and pressure".

Apr 14, 2024 9:33 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: G7 condemns Iran attack on Israel, calls for restraint

Leaders of G7 nations on Sunday condemned Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel and called for "restraint" from all sides. "We unanimously condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel", European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following video talks. "We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference."

Apr 14, 2024 9:05 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Israel will exact price from Iran when time is right, minister says

Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right, centrist war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday. "We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us," Gantz said in a statement as the Israeli war cabinet was due to convene to discuss Israel's response to Iran's attack.

Apr 14, 2024 9:01 PM IST

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran: White House

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the U.S. will not take part in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight, a White House official said. The threat of open warfare erupting between the arch Middle East foes and dragging in the United States has put the region on edge, triggering calls for restraint from global powers and Arab nations to avoid further escalation. U.S. media reported earlier on Sunday that Biden had informed Netanyahu he would not participate in retaliatory action in a phone call overnight. The remarks were confirmed to Reuters by a White House official.

Apr 14, 2024 8:51 PM IST

Nepal urges Israel, Iran to exercise restraint, use dialogue to restore peace

After tensions flared in West Asia between Israel and Iran, Nepal on Sunday called on both countries and urged for maximum restraints by resolving the issues through diplomatic efforts. In a press release, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that it had been closely following the development in West Asia region. Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We are seriously concerned at the rising tensions and escalation of hostilities in the region. The Government of Nepal firmly believes in peaceful resolution of disputes, and deplores the use of force. We call on all the parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and use dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace."

Apr 14, 2024 7:26 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Turkey calls on Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel

Turkey does not want further escalation of tension in the region after Iran's drone and missile attack against Israel, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on Sunday. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told Fidan that its "retaliatory operation" against Israel had ended, adding that Iran would not launch a new operation unless it was attacked, Turkish diplomatic sources said.

Apr 14, 2024 7:21 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Israel hails 'success' in blocking Iran's unprecedented attack

Israel on Sunday hailed its successful air defences in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying it and its allies thwarted 99 per cent of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward its territory. But regional tensions remain high, amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike. US President Joe Biden said he would convene a meeting of the Group of Seven advanced democracies on Sunday “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack.” The language indicated that the Biden administration does not want to spiral into a broader military conflict. A top US official said the US had informed Israel it does not plan on striking Iran itself.

Apr 14, 2024 6:49 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Israel says it will exact price from Iran when time is right 

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said that they will “exact a price from Iran” in response to the drone and missile attack - when the “time is right”. 

"We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us," Gantz said in a statement. 

The Israeli war cabinet had convened at 6pm (IST) to discuss their response to Iran's unprecedented attack.

Apr 14, 2024 6:45 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Netherlands advises against all travel to Israel

The Dutch government on Sunday advised its citizens against travel to Israel due to the uncertain security situation following overnight air strikes by Iran. Issuing an advisory, the Dutch foreign ministry said, “Iran and a number of allies carried out airstrikes against Israel with missiles and drones. It cannot be ruled out that further attacks may follow.”

Apr 14, 2024 6:34 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Zelensky urges united global response to Iran ‘terror’

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday condemned Tehran's strikes on Israel and urged a united global response to the "terror" attacks. "Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict," Zelensky wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

He added, “The obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world…Ukraine condemns Iran's attack on Israel using Shahed drones and missiles”.

Apr 14, 2024 5:56 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Air India temporarily suspends flights to Tel Aviv

Air India has temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv amid the escalating tensions in the West Asia region after Iran's unprecedented attack last night. 

Meanwhile, India has issued an advisory urging its citizens living there to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities. The embassy informed that it was closely monitoring the situation and was in touch with both the authorities and the diaspora members to ensure the safety of Indian citizens.

Apr 14, 2024 5:54 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Turkey calls on Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel

Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday called on Iran to avoid any further escalation of tension with Israel after its drone and missile attack. Fidan spoke to his Iranian counterpart on phone regarding the tensions in the region.

Apr 14, 2024 5:27 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Who are the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?

The attack on Israel on Sunday involved Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) - whose role is to protect Iran against internal and external threats. According to reports, the IRGC have more than 190,000 troops under its command. It runs parallel to Iran’s regular armed forces. Read more here

Apr 14, 2024 5:05 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: ‘We hope they learnt a lesson’, says Iran ambassador to India 

Ambassador of Iran to India Iraj Elahi called the overnight unprecedented attack on Iran “legal and legitimate response”, stating that it was based on the “inherent right of self-defense” and in response to the Israeli military attack on the Iranian embassy.

“We hope that the Zionist Regime has learned a lesson. No doubt if it repeats its evil and terrorist actions again, it will face a decisive response from Iran. The responsibility for escalating the situation lies with Israel. The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated many times in its official positions and diplomatic interactions within the framework of principles that it does not want to develop conflicts in the region and has proven this position in practice through restraint,” he told ANI. 

Apr 14, 2024 4:54 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran informed US of its attack being ‘limited’

Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Sunday said they informed US that their attack on Israel will be “limited” and will be for “self-defence”. The US has been backing Israel with president Joe Biden claiming that the American forces helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles fired by Iran overnight. He also pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

Apr 14, 2024 4:42 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: UK jets shot down Iranian drones, PM Sunak says

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday that British military jets shot down drones launched by Iran in its attack on Israel. "I can confirm that our planes did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones," Sunak told broadcasters.

Apr 14, 2024 4:24 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran's attack on Israel stirs admiration among Gaza Palestinians

Iran's attack on Israel drew applause from many Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday as rare payback for the Israeli offensive on their enclave, although some said they suspected Tehran had staged the assault more for show than to inflict real damage. "For the first time, we saw some rockets that didn’t land in our areas. These rockets were going into the occupied Palestine,” said Abu Abdallah, referring to land that became Israel in 1948 rather the occupied West Bank and Gaza. “We are hopeful that if Iran or any other country enters the war a solution for Gaza might be nearer than ever. The Americans may have to resolve Gaza to end the roots of the problem,” said Abu Abdallah, 32, using a nickname rather than his full name.

Apr 14, 2024 4:10 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Pope Francis calls to avoid actions that may 'spiral of violence'

Pope Francis on Sunday urged Iran and Israel to avoid actions that could feed "a spiral of violence" and would risk dragging the Middle East deeper into conflict. "Enough war, enough attacks, enough violence. Yes to dialogue, yes to peace," he told pilgrims in St Peter's Square, as quoted by Reuters.

Apr 14, 2024 3:46 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran summons British, French, German envoys to question their “irresponsible” stance

Iran on Sunday has summoned the British, French, and German ambassadors to question their “irresponsible” stance regarding Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Israel. 

Earlier, Israel had said that France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran's overnight attack on Israel.

Apr 14, 2024 3:43 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Indian embassy in Iran issues helpline numbers

Apr 14, 2024 3:36 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Lufthansa suspends several flights amid tensions

Lufthansa airlines has suspended flights to Amman, Beirut, Erbil, and Tel Aviv till Monday after Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel.

Apr 14, 2024 3:30 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Russia urges 'restraint' after Iran's attack

Russia has urged all sides to “show restraint” after Iran launched an unprecedented attack overnight on Israel. "We are counting on the regional states to solve the existing problems with political and diplomatic means," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. 

Moscow also expressed “extreme” concern over the escalation in the region.

Apr 14, 2024 3:15 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: NATO condemns Iran attack, urges restraint

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Sunday condemned Iran's overnight attack on Israel, calling it an "escalation" of regional unrest and urged restraint on all sides.

Apr 14, 2024 3:14 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Israeli war cabinet to meet at 6 pm today

Israel's war cabinet is due to meet at 6 pm (1230 GMT) to discuss a response to the drone and missile attack launched by Iran overnight.

Apr 14, 2024 2:48 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Iran's Raisi vows 'stronger response' to any Israeli move

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel and its allies against any "reckless" actions after Tehran's drone and missile attack in retaliation for a deadly strike on its Damascus consulate. "If the Zionist regime (Israel) or its supporters demonstrate reckless behavior, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response," Raisi said.

Apr 14, 2024 2:41 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Several Iranian domestic flights cancelled till Monday morning

Tehran's Mehrabad airport and airports in several other Iranian cities have cancelled domestic flights till Monday morning due to Middle East tensions, reported Reuters citing local media.

Apr 14, 2024 2:29 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Israel reopens airspace after Iran's overnight attack 

Israeli airlines are returning to normal on Sunday after an overnight attack by Iranian missiles and drones closed the airspace and led to flight cancellations. However, it said that the flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers should check flight times before going to Ben Gurion International Airport.

Apr 14, 2024 2:05 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Most Iranian drones, missiles downed by Israeli and US aerial interceptions

Most of the Iranian drones and missiles flying overnight over Syria were downed by the Israeli and US aerial interceptions, reported Reuters citing western intelligence sources.

Apr 14, 2024 2:03 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Rishi Sunak condemns Iran’s ‘reckless’ attack

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned Iran’s attack against Israel, calling it “reckless” and pledged that the UK would stand up for security in the region after Tehran launched dozens of aerial drones and cruise missiles.

Apr 14, 2024 1:28 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes

Israel hailed its successful air defenses in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying it and its allies thwarted 99 percent of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward its territory, reported AFP.

Apr 14, 2024 12:42 PM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Iran says retaliation 'concluded,' warns Israel not to respond

The Iranian army on Sunday said that its drone and missile attack on Israel, in retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran's Damascus consulate, has "achieved all its objectives". It also warned Israel not to respond.

Apr 14, 2024 12:41 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Indian embassy in Israel issues advisory as Iran's attack raises threat of wider conflict

The Indian embassy in Israel on Sunday urged its citizens living there to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities as Iran launched explosive drones and missiles in its first direct attack on Israeli territory. Read more

Apr 14, 2024 12:13 PM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran threatens to target American bases if US backs potential Israeli retaliation

Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has sent a message to the US via Switzerland, warning that its bases would be targeted if Washington backs Israel's retaliation, reports Reuters citing local media.

Apr 14, 2024 11:50 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: ‘France helped in defence against Iranian attack’, says Israeli military 

Israel's chief military spokesperson on Sunday said that France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran's overnight attack on Israel. "France has very good technology, jets, radar - and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace," he said, as quoted by Reuters.

Apr 14, 2024 11:17 AM IST

Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Japan strongly condemns Iranian attack on Israel

Japan has strongly condemned a retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel, calling it an “escalation of events”.

"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation," the statement said.

Apr 14, 2024 10:44 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran attack on Israel 'foiled', says Israeli army

The Israeli army on Sunday said that Iran's attack on Israel using hundreds of drones and missiles had been “foiled”, with 99 percent of them intercepted. 

Apr 14, 2024 10:40 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: China 'deeply concerned' about escalation after Iran strikes Israel

China said that it is "deeply concerned" about escalating tensions after Iran launched drones and missiles in a retaliatory strike against Israel. “China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

“China calls on the international community, especially influential countries, to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability,” it added.

Apr 14, 2024 10:14 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: India's statement on situation in West Asia 

India on Sunday issued a statement on the situation in West Asia saying that it is “seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region.”

“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence, and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the statement read. 

Apr 14, 2024 10:07 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Israel says 99% of Iranian drones, missiles were intercepted

Israel says 99% of more than 300 Iranian drones, missiles were intercepted, calls it a 'significant strategic success.'

Apr 14, 2024 9:49 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Netanyahu vows victory after Israel repells Iranian launches

Israel will achieve victory after having fended off an Iranian drone and missile salvo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," he said in a post on X.

Apr 14, 2024 9:32 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: UNGA President says ‘moment calls for wise and prudent judgement’

President of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation and said the Iranians have explained their action in the context of Article 51 of the UN Charter. “The Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East,” he said. 

“This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgement, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered,” he said.

Apr 14, 2024 9:12 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Iran ally Venezuela follows 'worrying events' in Middle East

The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Iran, Russia, and China, refrained from condemning Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel and said it is following the "worrying events" in the Middle East.

"As a result of the genocide in Palestine and the irrationality of the Israeli regime as well as the inaction of the United Nations, the situation of instability in the region has worsened dramatically in recent weeks," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement. 

"Venezuela advocates the construction of peace with justice as most countries in the world want."

Apr 14, 2024 9:02 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Biden pledges G7 response

President Joe Biden pledged a coordinated G7 diplomatic response and said the US had helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the attacking drones and missiles.

"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack," he said.

Apr 14, 2024 8:40 AM IST

Iran–Israel conflict LIVE: Biden says US helped Israel take down 'nearly all' Iran drones, missiles

Biden said that US forces helped take down "nearly all" the drones and missiles fired by Iran at Israel, adding that he had reaffirmed his "ironclad" support to Netanyahu.

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