Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated early Wednesday morning in Tehran, Iran, according to statements from Hamas and Iranian officials. Haniyeh, 62, was killed in an airstrike on his residence in the Iranian capital.
Haniyeh, who was born in a Gaza refugee camp, had been a key member of Hamas since its inception in the late 1980s. He rose through the ranks, serving as Palestinian Prime Minister in 2006 after Hamas won elections. In 2017, he became the political chief of Hamas.
The assassination comes just hours after Haniyeh attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, where he was seen prominently meeting with Iranian leaders. He had been in Iran along with other Iran-backed armed group leaders.
Hamas has blamed Israel for the attack, calling it a “cowardly act” that will not go unanswered, Israel has not commented on the incident. Haniyeh’s death is likely to impact ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
The killing occurs amid escalating confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider regional war. It also comes as Hamas continues to battle Israel’s military in Gaza.