- Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political chief, was assassinated in Tehran, with Hamas blaming Israel for the attack.
- The killing occurred during Haniyeh’s visit to Iran for a presidential inauguration, according to Hamas and Iran’s IRGC.
- The assassination has escalated tensions in the region amid ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated early Tuesday morning in Tehran, Iran. The attack, which took place at a residence where Haniyeh was staying, was attributed to Israel by Hamas, although Israel has not confirmed involvement. The assassination happened while Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Hamas condemned the attack, calling it a “treacherous Zionist raid” and mourning Haniyeh as a “martyr” for the Palestinian cause. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also confirmed the death, stating that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their residence was struck by an airborne guided projectile.
The assassination has sparked a range of reactions, including from Israeli officials. While the Israeli government has remained officially silent, far-right figures in Israel have publicly celebrated Haniyeh’s death. The killing comes amid ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, which has seen significant casualties on both sides.
Haniyeh’s death is seen as a significant development in the conflict, potentially escalating tensions further. Palestinians and international observers worry that the assassination might lead to intensified conflict, with fears of additional retaliatory actions in the region.