Details of the Attack
Haniyeh, 62, was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new President, Masoud Pezeshkian. The exact details of the attack remain unclear, but some reports suggest it was an airstrike. Israeli officials have not commented on the incident.
🚨 #BreakingNews 🚨#IsmailHaniyeh , the top leader of #Hamas, killed in #Tehran, according to reports from both Hamas and #Iranian media. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time while #Haniyeh was staying at a building for war veterans.#Iran pic.twitter.com/1BPN7no0wO
— In Bulletin (@inbulletinnews) July 31, 2024
Reactions from Hamas and Iran
Hamas has condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly act" and promising retaliation. Musa Abu Marzuk, a member of Hamas's political bureau, and Sami Abu Zuhri, another senior Hamas official, emphasized that the group would continue its resistance. Iran's foreign ministry stated that Haniyeh's "martyrdom" would strengthen the bonds between Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance movements.
International Condemnation
The assassination has drawn condemnation from several countries, including Turkey, Russia, and Qatar. This attack follows the recent Israeli killing of Fuad Shukr, a top military commander of Hezbollah, in Beirut. The successive strikes have heightened tensions in the region.
Read more: Israel Eliminates Top Hezbollah Commander 'Fuad Shukr' in Retaliatory Strike.
Haniyeh’s Background
Ismail Haniyeh was a prominent figure in Hamas. Born in 1962 in the Shati refugee camp, he was one of the group's founding members. Haniyeh served as the Palestinian Prime Minister in 2006 after Hamas's electoral victory. Despite being dismissed a year later, he continued to lead Hamas in Gaza and was elected head of its political bureau in 2017. Haniyeh had been living in Qatar since 2016 but remained actively involved in Hamas's activities.
Impact on Gaza and Ceasefire Negotiations
Haniyeh’s death is expected to impact ongoing ceasefire negotiations and hostage talks between Israel and Hamas. As a key figure in these discussions, his assassination could complicate efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. The strike in Tehran raises concerns about a potential regional escalation involving other Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Read more: "Pay A Heavy Price" says PM Netanyahu: After Hezbollah deadly Rocket strike killed children & adult.
Global Reactions
The United States and other international personality are closely monitoring the situation. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reiterated America's support for Israel while calling for efforts to de-escalate tensions. The assassination underscores the volatility in the Middle East and the potential for wider conflict.
Read more: Al-Shabab Attack on Lido Beach Leaves 32 Dead, 63 Wounded: Tragedy Strikes Mogadishu, Somalia.
As the investigation into Haniyeh’s death continues, the ramifications of this targeted killing are likely to be felt across the region. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for the Israeli-Hamas conflict and broader Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Read more: UNRWA Fires 9 Staff on Allegations of Involvement in October 7 Hamas Attack on Israel.
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