Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader of Hamas, has been killed in an Israeli attack in Tehran, the Iranian capital, according to statements from the group. Reports from Iranian media indicate that Haniyeh was staying at a facility for war veterans when the attack took place. Some accounts suggest that the attack was carried out via an air strike.
Background on Ismail Haniyeh
At 62 years old, Haniyeh was widely regarded as the overall leader of Hamas. His presence in Tehran was reportedly to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who was sworn in on Tuesday.
Reactions and Statements
Hamas’s Response
Musa Abu Marzuk, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” and warned that it “will not go unanswered.” Another senior official, Sami Abu Zuhri, reaffirmed the group’s resolve, stating that they would “continue on its path.”
Israel’s Position
While Israel has not officially commented on the incident, it had previously vowed to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 attack on southern Israel. This attack on Haniyeh is seen as part of Israel’s broader strategy against the group.
The killing of Ismail Haniyeh marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As tensions continue to escalate, both sides are likely to experience further repercussions from this high-profile assassination.
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