In a dramatic development, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated early Wednesday morning in Iran, according to a statement from the Palestinian militant group. The assassination, which Hamas describes as a “severe escalation,” follows a period of intense conflict between Hamas and Israel. The group has vowed that the killing will not deter their resolve.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyeh’s death but stated they are investigating the circumstances. This incident occurred just hours after Haniyeh attended a swearing-in ceremony for Iran’s new president. There has been no immediate response from Israeli authorities, and the White House has yet to comment on the assassination.
The killing of Haniyeh comes less than 24 hours after Israel announced it had killed a Hezbollah commander in a separate strike. This development complicates the already fragile situation in Gaza and could hinder any prospects for a ceasefire agreement. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the assassination as a deliberate attempt by “Israeli occupation” forces to undermine Hamas’ will. He added, “We are confident of victory,” indicating that Hamas remains resolute despite the loss.
Haniyeh, who has been a prominent figure in Hamas’ international diplomacy since his appointment as leader in 2017, was based in Qatar and frequently traveled to Turkey and Iran. He has played a key role in negotiations and representing Hamas’ interests abroad. The assassination represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and could have wide-ranging implications for the region’s stability.