Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Killed in Tehran, Group Reports
On Wednesday, Hamas announced that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran, as confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps and the group itself. This marks a major setback for Hamas, removing a crucial figurehead who led its political activities abroad.
In an official statement, Hamas accused Israel of orchestrating a "raid" on Haniyeh's residence in Tehran following his attendance at the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The Israeli military has not commented on these allegations but has previously committed to targeting Hamas leadership in response to the group’s attacks on Israel on October 7.
The exact timing of Haniyeh’s death remains unclear. He was a vital mediator in ongoing negotiations regarding hostages and ceasefire talks in Gaza, frequently liaising with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The inauguration of Iran’s new president took place on Tuesday, with Hamas releasing images of Haniyeh meeting Iranian officials on the same day.
Haniyeh’s death occurs amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, where confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah are heightening risks of a broader regional conflict. Concurrently, Hamas continues its confrontation with Israeli forces in Gaza, contributing to an escalating humanitarian crisis.
Musa Abu Marzouk, a member of Hamas’ Political Bureau, vowed that Haniyeh's death would not go unavenged. Another Hamas official emphasized the group's willingness to bear any costs necessary.
This development follows Israel’s announcement of the assassination of Hezbollah’s top military official, Fu’ad Shukr, in a drone strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs. This strike represents Israel’s most significant escalation since October 8 when tensions with Hezbollah began to rise.
The White House acknowledged the reports of Haniyeh’s death but refrained from immediate comment. Haniyeh is the second senior Hamas leader to be killed since the onset of Israel's latest offensive in Gaza. In January, Saleh Al Arouri, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Despite these losses, Hamas has historically weathered the deaths of key leaders, including co-founders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz Rantisi in 2004.
Political and Foreign Policy Analyst Barak Ravid stated that the Israeli government holds Haniyeh partly accountable for Hamas’ attacks on October 7. Though not a major military figure, his death is expected to significantly impact ongoing negotiations regarding hostages and ceasefire terms.
Who Was Ismail Haniyeh?
Ismail Haniyeh, 62, was born in a refugee camp near Gaza City and joined Hamas during the First Intifada in the late 1980s. He rose through the ranks, becoming part of a secret "collective leadership" in 2004 and eventually chief of Hamas in 2017. The United States has designated him a "specially designated global terrorist."
Throughout his career, Haniyeh engaged in peace talks with notable figures like former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and met with global leaders such as Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Chinese diplomat Wang Kejian.
In April, Haniyeh lost three sons and four grandchildren in Israeli airstrikes, yet he remained firm that their deaths would not sway ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
News Agencies