Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh Reportedly Killed in Iran

On 31 July, Hamas announced that its top leader, had been killed in Iran.

Here’s what happened.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh Reportedly Killed in Tehran

According to Hamas officials, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran, Iran.

The group announced Haniyeh’s passing, labelling him a “martyr” and a “Mujahid” who was the victim of a “treacherous Zionist raid” on his home.

Official comments on the incident have not yet been made by Israeli authorities.

The incident was verified by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who also said that Haniyeh was hit while in Tehran for President Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration.

An Iranian bodyguard who was allegedly also killed in the raid according to the Guards. The attack’s precise specifics are yet unknown, but an investigation has been opened by Iranian officials.

Haniyeh’s death comes amidst a backdrop of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Israel had recently intensified its military actions in Gaza following a Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties and the capture of more than 200 individuals.

In response, Israel had vowed to eliminate Hamas leadership, leading to a devastating toll on Palestinians, with at least 39,400 killed and nearly 91,000 injured in the ongoing war.

The dead leader, who stood out from other Hamas leaders for his practical approach, had played a key role in the peace process.

Haniyeh, who has led Hamas’ political bureau since 2017, played a significant role in the peace negotiations and kept vital ties with Iran and Turkey.

His leadership was also noted for fostering good relations with various Palestinian factions, including rivals to Hamas.

Increasing tensions in the region

Haniyeh’s killing is viewed as a substantial escalation in the already volatile region. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported that the loss is particularly impactful in Gaza, where Haniyeh was seen as a moderate figure striving for peace.

The timing of the attack, following Israel’s recent precision strike on a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut, has heightened concerns of further conflict.

Hezbollah have yet to confirm the death.

Following the incident, far-right Israeli Heritage Minister, Amihai Elihayu, welcomed the alleged death on social media, remarking that it “makes the world a little better.”

Sami al-Arian, director of the Center for Islam and Global Affairs, emphasised that the events of the past days mark a serious escalation.

“What happened yesterday in Lebanon, what’s happening today in Tehran—this is an escalation by [Israel] and that’s going to have significant ramifications,” he stated.

Wednesday’s event hold the potential for further escalation and the impact on regional stability.

Iran’s foreign ministry has said that the “martyrdom” of Haniyeh will “strengthen the deep and unbreakable bond between Tehran, Palestine and the resistance.”