Tehran: In a shocking development, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike at his residence in Tehran. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, as confirmed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Haniyeh, along with one of his bodyguards, lost his life in the attack.
Background and Context
- Hamas Leadership: Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent figure within Hamas, joined the organization in 1987. In 2017, he assumed the role of its political leader, playing a crucial role in shaping the group’s policies and strategies.
- Living Outside Palestine: Since 2019, Haniyeh has been residing outside of Palestine, reportedly hiding in Qatar. Despite his absence from the region, he continued to exert influence over Hamas’ activities.
- Swearing-In Ceremony: Just the day before the airstrike, Haniyeh attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. His presence in Tehran likely made him a target for Israel’s covert operations.
Investigation and Speculation
- IRGC Statement: The IRGC issued a statement confirming the attack but provided no specific details on how Haniyeh was killed. Investigations are underway to determine the motives behind this targeted assassination.
- Israel’s Involvement: Suspicion immediately fell on Israel, which has a history of targeting Hamas leaders. Notably, Haniyeh’s death comes in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of 1,200 people and led to the hostage-taking of 250 others.
- Mossad’s Silence: Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, known for its covert operations, has not officially commented on the incident. However, it is consistent with their past actions, including the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists.
Impact and Ongoing Tensions
- Hamas’ Response: The militant group Hamas has condemned the airstrike, vowing retaliation. Haniyeh’s death marks a significant blow to the organization, as he was one of its most senior leaders.
- Regional Implications: The assassination further escalates tensions between Israel and Iran, both of which have been engaged in a shadow war for years. The situation remains volatile, with potential repercussions across the Middle East.
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