Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran, Hamas says

TEHRAN,— Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated early Wednesday morning in Iran, escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East.

The Gaza’s Islamic militant Hamas group confirmed the news, heightening fears of further regional conflict, particularly as Israel continues its war in Gaza and confronts mounting challenges in Lebanon.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards verified Haniyeh’s death shortly after he attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Iranian officials have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly.

President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and integrity, condemning the assassination as a “cowardly act” by the “terrorist occupiers” and promising repercussions.

In response, the Israeli military stated it was evaluating the situation but did not issue new security directives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was slated to meet with security officials for further consultations later in the day.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed Washington’s intent to help ease tensions while affirming support for Israel’s defense. “I don’t think war is inevitable. I believe there is always room and opportunities for diplomacy,” Austin remarked during a visit to the Philippines.

The assassination follows closely on the heels of Israel’s claim that it killed a Hezbollah commander responsible for a deadly attack in the Golan Heights, complicating hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri described Haniyeh’s killing as a grave escalation intended to demoralize Hamas but vowed that the group would persist on its path to victory.

Qatar, a mediator in the Gaza conflict, condemned the assassination as a dangerous escalation. China and Russia also denounced the killing. Meanwhile, Iran’s top security officials convened to strategize a response to the death of Haniyeh, a key ally of Tehran.

West Bank’s Arab President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Haniyeh’s assassination, and factions in the West Bank called for a general strike and mass protests.

This incident comes as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza nears its tenth month, with no resolution in sight. Despite domestic and international pressure for a ceasefire, negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar have stalled.

Additionally, the risk of an Israel-Hezbollah war has increased following recent violent clashes, including a strike in the Golan Heights that killed twelve children and the subsequent death of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, who was reportedly in a building targeted by an Israeli strike.

Haniyeh, who was primarily based in Qatar, played a significant role in Hamas’s international diplomacy efforts amidst the ongoing conflict triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Three of Haniyeh’s sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, and the International Criminal Court had recently requested an arrest warrant for him on allegations of war crimes.

Since taking the top position in Hamas in 2017, Haniyeh had operated between Turkey and Qatar’s capital, Doha, circumventing the travel restrictions imposed on Gaza. His mobility allowed him to engage in ceasefire negotiations and maintain close ties with Iran.

His death follows the earlier assassination of his deputy, Saleh Al-Arouri, by Israel. This leaves Yehya Al-Sinwar, the Hamas chief in Gaza and the architect of the October 7 attack, and Zaher Jabarin, the head of the group in the West Bank, as remaining leaders but in hiding. Khaled Meshaal, Hamas’s former chief, is seen as a potential successor, though the transition process remains unclear.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas gunmen launched a brutal attack on southern Israeli communities and military bases, resulting in over 1,200 deaths. This attack, characterized by its ISIS-style execution, prompted Israel to launch a counteroffensive aimed at obliterating Hamas. Israel’s military reports that the group is currently holding 253 hostages in Gaza.

Israel’s retaliation against Hamas has been severe, with the stated goal of eradicating the group entirely. This ongoing conflict is the deadliest Islamic militant attack in Israeli history, further intensifying regional instability.

Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by several nations, including the United States, Canada, Egypt, the European Union, Israel, and Japan.

Recent estimates from Gaza health officials linked to Hamas claim that over 39,000 Gazans have been killed in the conflict. However, these figures are viewed with skepticism due to the officials’ close association with Hamas, suggesting that the actual number of fatalities is significantly lower.

As the Middle East grapples with the ramifications of Haniyeh’s assassination, the potential for wider conflict looms large. Diplomatic efforts will be crucial in navigating this perilous juncture and preventing further escalation.

(With files from Reuters)