Hamas Leader Killed in Israeli Raid in Iran

The Palestinian militant group Hamas Leader Killed in Israeli Raid in Iran. A statement from Hamas confirmed that Haniyeh was killed while staying in a house in the Iranian capital following the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Israel’s military has not commented on the incident.

Impact on Negotiations

Haniyeh had been a key figure in negotiations with Israel, and his death is expected to impact the prospects of progress. Hamas officials described the assassination as a “grave escalation” that would not go unpunished. One of Haniyeh’s bodyguards was also reported killed in the raid.

Profile of Ismail Haniyeh

Born in the Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, Haniyeh was a prominent member of Hamas from its inception. He was imprisoned multiple times by Israel, including a three-year stint in 1989 during the First Palestinian Uprising. Haniyeh survived an assassination attempt in 2003 alongside Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. In 2006, he was appointed Palestinian Prime Minister by President Mahmoud Abbas after Hamas won national elections, but was dismissed a year later following Hamas’s violent takeover of Gaza. Haniyeh had led Hamas’s political operations since 2017 from exile in Qatar, overseeing diplomacy and negotiations for the group.

Details of the Attack

The attack occurred around 2:00 AM local time, targeting the residence where Haniyeh was staying. He had been in Iran with leaders of other Iran-backed armed groups for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Hamas officials have called the attack cowardly and vowed retaliation.

Regional Reactions and Implications

The attack comes shortly after Israel’s assassination of a senior Hezbollah figure in Beirut. Israeli officials believe they have eliminated the key commander responsible for a deadly rocket attack in the Golan Heights, which killed 12 children. Hezbollah has not confirmed the death but has mourned Haniyeh’s killing.

Potential for Escalation

Iran’s top security council is considering its response to the assassination, raising concerns of further escalation. Haniyeh’s death is likely to hinder negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, potentially shifting more power to hardliners within Hamas.

Hezbollah and Regional Dynamics

Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy in Lebanon, has also condemned the killing. Hezbollah’s strong presence in Lebanon, coupled with its previous retaliatory actions against Israel, suggests a significant response could follow. The assassination of both Haniyeh and the senior Hezbollah commander heightens fears of broader regional conflict.

Conclusion

The killings of Ismail Haniyeh and the Hezbollah commander mark a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran-backed militant groups. The situation remains highly volatile, with potential repercussions for regional stability and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.