In a shocking development, Hamas has confirmed the death of its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. According to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Haniyeh was killed early on Wednesday, shortly after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's new President, Masoud Pezeshkian. The incident has been widely blamed on Israel, which had previously vowed to target Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders in response to the group's attack on Israel on October 7.
Details of the Incident
Haniyeh, who left the Gaza Strip in 2019 and lived in exile in Qatar, was in Tehran along with other officials from Hamas, Hezbollah, and allied groups. The attack reportedly occurred soon after the swearing-in ceremony, but Iranian authorities have provided no specific details on how Haniyeh was killed. The Revolutionary Guard stated that an investigation is underway.
Context and Reactions
This event comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tension and hostilities in the region. Just days prior, Israel conducted a rare strike in Beirut, targeting Fouad Shukur, a senior Hezbollah military commander. The attack, which also resulted in civilian casualties, is part of Israel's ongoing response to the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas.
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it called the "vile assassination" of Haniyeh, suggesting it could be an attempt to escalate the conflict in Gaza to a regional level. The Iranian foreign ministry also expressed condolences, referring to Haniyeh's death as "martyrdom." The White House has yet to issue an official statement.
Broader Implications
The killing of Haniyeh is likely to exacerbate an already volatile situation. In Israel's ongoing military actions against Hamas since the October attack, over 39,360 Palestinians have been reported killed, with more than 90,900 wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. These figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, highlighting the widespread impact of the conflict.
As tensions continue to mount, international observers are closely monitoring the situation. The apparent assassination of Haniyeh adds a new layer of complexity, potentially influencing the already delicate negotiations for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. With both sides digging in, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
Source: Euronews
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