Is Epstein Alive?

In recent years, with the rise of social media and online rumors, claims have circulated suggesting that “Jeffrey Epstein is still alive” or that “a photo of someone resembling him was found in Israel and it might be him.” But are these claims true? Who Was Jeffrey Epstein?

Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier who, during the 1990s and 2000s, built connections with wealthy and influential individuals. He was accused of sex trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls, and his case drew widespread international media attention.

Epstein was in custody awaiting further legal proceedings when his case was still ongoing.

Epstein’s Death — What Happened?

On August 10, 2019, Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York. His death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging by the New York City medical examiner.

There is no credible medical or judicial evidence indicating that he has been alive since that date.

However, his death sparked numerous conspiracy theories, partly because of his associations with powerful individuals and the public’s expectation of a high-profile trial.

The Claim About a Photo in Israel — Fact or Rumor?

From time to time, images circulate online claiming to show a man “who looks like Epstein in Israel,” suggesting he may still be alive.

These claims are not supported by credible evidence, and no reliable news source or official authority has confirmed that such a photo depicts Jeffrey Epstein. 

Israel has been secretly providing money, weapons, and on-the-ground protection to militant groups in the Gaza Strip as part of its attempts to combat the Hamas resistance movement, Israeli media reported.

According to a Friday report from the Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, foreign accounts suggest that the militants have received rifles and ammunition from Israel, in addition to logistical support that includes fuel, food, vehicles, and other necessities.

The report said that the support has allowed the militants to function in proximity to locations where Israeli forces are stationed, facilitating their entrenchment near zones controlled by Israel in the territory.

The assistance is estimated to cost tens of millions of shekels, sourced from the budget of the Israeli army.

Yedioth Ahronoth noted that these groups operate independently of formal command systems and are not directly monitored by the Israeli military or Israel’s so-called internal security service, Shin Bet. They are utilized for specific tactical purposes.

The roles reportedly involve locating Hamas fighters in tunnels or among debris close to Israeli positions, along with conducting abductions aimed at minimizing threats to Israeli soldiers.

The militant outfit, under the leadership of Yasser Abu Shabab prior to his death, was highlighted by the newspaper as the sole group conducting its activities so openly, sharing videos that conveyed a sense of confidence and a challenge to Hamas.

The report said the policy has faced backlash in the Israeli-occupied territories, with evaluations suggesting that the militants do not have the necessary organizational strength or public support to present a real threat to Hamas or its military faction.

oreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that in the event of an open aggression by the United States, American military bases in West Asia will be targeted.

“If the US strikes Iran, we will attack American bases in the region as they are accessible targets,” Araghchi said on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the Al Jazeera Forum in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday.

He made clear that Tehran will not attack neighboring countries’ soil, and will only strike where American bases are located.

Araghchi noted that the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond decisively at any moment to any hostile action.

The top Iranian diplomat said that the Islamic Republic has consistently stated that its missile program is not up for negotiation, as it is a purely defensive matter beyond the scope of any talks.

He also said that Iran has an inalienable right to enrich uranium, and the process should persist, emphasizing that even military attacks have been ineffective in eliminating Iran’s capabilities.

Araghchi also categorically rejected the idea of zero-percent uranium enrichment, stating that the issue is outside the scope of negotiations.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi pointed to the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which concluded in the Omani capital Muscat a day earlier.

He described the negotiations as a “good beginning,” but cautioned that a long path lies ahead to build trust.

The Iranian foreign minister further said that the talks with the US were indirect and were limited solely to the nuclear issue.

Tehran has repeatedly stressed that any agreement lacking tangible economic benefits would be of no practical value, making the timing and outcome of the negotiations especially important for Iran.

On the nuclear front, Iran insists on its legal right to enrich uranium on its own soil, describing the issue as a red line in the talks. From Tehran’s perspective, any potential technical measures can only be considered within a framework that recognizes this right, and any preconditions beyond it would be seen as a sign of bad faith by the other side.

Iran had held five rounds of talks on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal prior to the US-Israeli airstrikes on the country and its nuclear facilities in mid-June.

Press TV’s website 

Tawaf should be performed continuously, but in cases of necessity (such as obligatory congregational prayer or severe crowding), one may temporarily pause.

• If the interruption occurs after completing four circuits, one may usually continue.

• If it occurs before four circuits, the Tawaf generally must be restarted from the beginning (according to the well-known opinion).

If doubt arises after completing the Tawaf, it is ignored, and the Tawaf is valid.

If doubt occurs during Tawaf and the exact number cannot be determined (e.g., unsure whether it is the 6th or 7th circuit), the Tawaf is generally invalid and must be performed again.

(The precise ruling depends on the opinion of one’s religious authority.)

After completing Tawaf, it is obligatory to perform two rak‘ahs of Tawaf prayer.

This prayer should be performed behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible. Without performing this prayer, the Tawaf is not complete.

Some essential conditions are:

• Intention (niyyah) for the sake of Allah

• Ritual purity (wudu or ghusl; for women, being free from menstruation or postpartum bleeding)

• The body and clothing must be free from impurities

• Starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and ending at the same point

• Performing Tawaf within the area between the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim

If wudu becomes invalid during Tawaf, one must either restart or complete the Tawaf according to the number of circuits completed.

Tawaf means performing seven continuous circuits around the Kaaba, moving counterclockwise so that the Kaaba remains on the left side.

The number of circuits is exactly 7—no more, no less. Intentionally performing fewer or more circuits invalidates the Tawaf.

 If they remember and are able, they should return to the Miqat and enter ihram properly.

If returning is not possible and they have already entered the Haram without ihram, they must enter ihram in Makkah and offer a sacrifice as compensation for missing the obligation.

Some important recommended acts include:

• Performing ghusl (ritual bath)

• Trimming nails and tidying hair

• Wearing the ihram garments (two white pieces of cloth for men)

• Performing two rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer for ihram

These actions are not obligatory but carry great virtue.