Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Tehran

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Mohammed Salem/Reuters

Tehran (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hamas’s political head Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in Iran’s capital, Tehran, according to a statement from the group that controls Gaza, which accused Israel of his death.

What Happened During the Raid on Haniyeh?

The raid on Haniyeh came in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with Hamas indicating the finger at Israel – which has so far refused to comment.  Haniyeh had been in Tehran for the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and was waiting in a residence for veterans in the north of the city, a state-affiliated news portal reported.

At about 2 a.m. local time, an “airborne coached projectile” targeted where Haniyeh was staying, according to the Iranian state-run outlet IRNA which expressed his bodyguard was also killed. IRNA stated further investigations are underway to define the details of the operation and the place from where the projectile was fired.

Shortly afterwards, Hamas condemned what it called a “Zionist strike” and a “grave escalation” in its decades-long dispute with Israel. One Hamas official stated the group is “ready to pay different prices” and that the “moment of truth has come,” adding: “This assassination will not accomplish the goals of the occupation and will not cause Hamas to surrender.” When questioned for comment, Israel’s military expressed it “doesn’t respond to reports in the foreign media.”

What Was Haniyeh’s Role and Background?

Haniyeh, 62, was born in a refugee centre near Gaza City and entered Hamas in the late 1980s during the First Intifada, or revolt. As Hamas grew in power, Haniyeh climbed through the ranks – being designated part of a secret “collective leadership” in 2004. He became the political leader of Hamas in 2017. The following year, he was designated a “specially designated global terrorist” by the United States.

Despite that tag– and unlike Hamas’ military leadership – Haniyeh toured globally, assembling with world figures as the political authority of the organization. During the war with Israel in Gaza he has taken a central position in hostage and ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Earlier this spring, he stated Hamas was willing to strike a deal – but it would need Israel withdrawing from Gaza and a promise to cease fighting in the enclave permanently insists that Israel has called “unacceptable.”

What Are the Implications for Ceasefire Talks?

Haniyeh was in contact with mediators in Qatar and Egypt as recently as early July. Those words now hang in the balance, despite some expectancy earlier this month that they were closing a framework agreement.

A source said that Haniyeh’s death could “complicate mediation discussions.” The source stated Haniyeh was “instrumental” in bringing certain breakthroughs in negotiations and – along with the Hamas military commander in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar – was a “key decision maker.”

“How can mediation prevail when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?” Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, a negotiator on the talks, published on X on Wednesday. Qatar’s capital, Doha, also hosts the leading Hamas political bureau. “Peace needs serious partners & a global stance against the disregard for human life,” Al-Thani wrote.

How Has the World Responded to Haniyeh’s Death?

Leaders from around the region have weighed in, with some condemning the killing and voicing alarm about the potential fallout. Palestinian leaders, including the Palestinian president and prime minister – who come from sections that have deep historical feuds with Hamas – have denounced the killing and called for Palestinian “national unity.”

The White House has noticed the reports of Haniyeh’s killing, a spokesperson stated but declined to immediately comment further. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated he does not think war in the Middle East is unavoidable, but that the US would help uphold Israel if it were attacked.

Leaders from Russia and Turkey have both condemned the assassination, warning it would lead to larger disputes in the region. Other Iran-backed militant groups have also expressed sympathy – including Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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