Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran Amid Rising Tensions

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Hamas’s political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran, Iran’s capital, early Wednesday morning. Hamas, the governing authority of Gaza, issued a statement attributing the attack to Israel and confirming the death of Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards following a strike on their residence.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Hamas statement expressed deep sorrow and condemned what it termed a “treacherous Zionist raid,” mourning Haniyeh as a “leader, martyr, and Mujahid.”

“Early this morning, the residence of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was struck, resulting in his and one of his bodyguards’ martyrdom. The cause is under investigation and will be announced soon,” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement, adding that the attack was under investigation.

While Israel has not officially commented on Haniyeh’s assassination, far-right Heritage Minister Amihai Elihayu celebrated the news on Twitter X, stating.

“This is the right way to clean the world from this filth.
No more imaginary “peace”/surrender agreements, no more mercy for these mortals.
The iron hand that will strike them, is the one that will bring peace and a little comfort and strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire peace.
Haniyeh’s death makes the world a little better.”

This incident follows a series of hostilities that began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7th, which resulted in significant casualties and captives.

The death toll in Gaza has risen sharply, with over 39,400 Palestinians killed and nearly 91,000 injured in the ongoing conflict. Haniyeh, who left Gaza in 2019 to reside in Qatar, was seen as a moderate and pragmatic leader by many Palestinians. His assassination has sparked fears of further escalation in an already volatile region.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud highlighted the significance of Haniyeh’s death for the people of Gaza, noting his role in peace negotiations and his popularity among Palestinian refugees. Mahmoud expressed concern that Haniyeh’s assassination might exacerbate the conflict.

In a related development, Israel claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukur, in Beirut just hours before Haniyeh’s death. This dual strike has heightened tensions and raised concerns about a broader regional conflict.

Global Reactions and Security Measures Intensify Following Haniyeh Assassination

Iran’s top security council convened an emergency meeting to discuss potential responses to Haniyeh’s assassination. Meanwhile, global reactions have poured in, with Russia and Turkey condemning the attack as a “political killing” and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denouncing it as a “cowardly act.”

The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking from the Philippines, emphasized that a broader war in the Middle East is not inevitable and that diplomatic efforts must continue. The assassination of Haniyeh and Shukur has undoubtedly complicated these efforts, casting a shadow over ongoing negotiations aimed at de-escalating the Gaza conflict.

Israel is on high alert, with its military in a state of heightened readiness. The northern airspace has been completely closed, except for emergency flights. The situation remains tense as the region grapples with the potential repercussions of these high-profile assassinations.

Latest Suggested Reads

BISE Lahore Board Result 2024 | Key Dates and Latest Updated Announcements

Pakistan to Host ICC Champions Trophy 2025