Alarming development, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran, early on Wednesday morning, July 31. The attack was confirmed by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, who reported that Haniyeh was killed by an “airborne guided projectile.” Hamas has accused Israel of carrying out the assassination, a claim that Israel has neither confirmed nor denied.
Background of the Incident
Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent political leader of Hamas, had been a target for Israeli forces, especially after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which led to the deaths of 1200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages. Following this incident, Israel had publicly vowed to target key Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh.
The Assassination Details
According to Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA, the assassination took place around 2 a.m. local time in Tehran. Haniyeh was in the city for the inauguration of Iran’s new president and was residing in a veterans’ residence in the northern part of Tehran. The state-affiliated news outlet Fars reported that the attack was executed using an “airborne guided projectile,” suggesting a high level of precision and planning.
Hamas’s Response
In an official statement, Hamas announced the death of Ismail Haniyeh, blaming Israel for the airstrike. The statement read, “Hamas declares to the great Palestinian people and the people of the Arab and Islamic nations and all the free people of the world, brother leader Ismail Haniyeh a martyr.” Hamas mourned his loss and vowed to continue their struggle.
Israel’s Stance
Israel has a history of carrying out covert operations, often attributed to its Mossad intelligence agency, but it typically refrains from commenting on such actions. In line with this approach, Israel has not issued any official statement regarding the assassination of Haniyeh.
Implications for the Middle East
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has significantly heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East. Iran, a staunch supporter of Hamas, has threatened to retaliate against Israel, raising fears of a broader conflict. The potential for escalation is high, as both nations have powerful military capabilities and a history of enmity.
Ongoing Investigations
Iranian authorities have launched an investigation to uncover more details about the assassination. IRNA reported that efforts are underway to determine the exact position from which the projectile was fired and the specifics of the operation.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
