In a shocking development, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was reportedly assassinated in the early hours of the morning in Iran, as confirmed by the Palestinian resistance group itself. This event could potentially escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Hamas has labelled the strike as a ‘severe escalation’ and expressed scepticism about its potential to achieve any positive outcome.
The news of Haniyeh’s assassination was swiftly confirmed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) just hours after his participation in the swearing-in ceremony of the country’s new president. The IRGC announced that an investigation into the incident is underway and promised to unveil further details soon.
Notably, Israeli authorities have remained silent on this matter, adding to the tension in the region. This development comes on the heels of Israel’s claim of having eliminated the Hezbollah commander allegedly responsible for a lethal attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, signaling a setback in the prospects for an immediate ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
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Reacting to the news, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri conveyed to Reuters that the alleged assassination of Haniyeh by the Israeli forces represents a significant escalation aimed at undermining the resolve of Hamas. He emphasized the unwavering commitment of Hamas to its cause and exuded confidence in its eventual triumph.
Echoing a similar sentiment, another senior Hamas official, Moussa Abu Marzouk, denounced the purported assassination of Haniyeh as a “cowardly act” and emphasized that it would not go unpunished.
The ongoing conflict, which was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on October 7th, has seen numerous casualties and widespread destruction. Ismail Haniyeh, who typically operates from Qatar, has been at the forefront of Hamas’s international diplomatic efforts during this conflict. Notably, three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Appointed to the top leadership position within Hamas in 2017, Haniyeh has frequently shuttled between Turkey and Qatar’s capital city, Doha, enabling him to engage in ceasefire negotiations and liaise with Iran, a key ally of Hamas, while evading travel restrictions imposed on the blockaded Gaza Strip.