Hamas political bureau chief Dr. Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated early Wednesday morning in Iran’s capital Tehran, Hamas confirmed, intensifying concerns over Gaza ceasefire talks, and potential escalation in the region already grappling with Israel’s military actions in Palestine and Lebanon. The assassination took place a day after an Israeli missile strike targeted a senior Hezbollah commander in the south of Beirut, in an alleged response to Hezbollah’s strike at the Occupied Golan Heights killing 12 Syrian Druze children. Hezbollah have denied the Israeli claim. Striking the Hamas chief inside Tehran also has potential ramifications for achieving any peace in the Middle East, as it is seen as a push to provoke Tehran.
What do we know of the attack so far?
Early reports and a Hamas statement reveal a rocket struck the building where Ismail Haniyeh was staying, further explaining it as a “treacherous raid”. One of Hanieyh’s bodyguards was also killed in the strike. Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed that Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran was struck. Media reports indicate the rocket was fired from outside Iranian airspace. Iranian state media IRNA reported that an “airborne guided projectile” hit Haniyeh’s residence in north of Tehran at 2.00 AM on Wednesday night (6:30 PM EST on Tuesday).
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri described the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh as a significant escalation by Israel intended to undermine Hamas's resolve. He vowed Hamas would persist in its efforts and not give up.
In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, tensions have mounted. General strikes have begun in the West Bank, while condemnations and tributes are being shared widely on Gaza’s social media. Iran’s Supreme Leader Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei has vowed revenge for the “martyr” who was a state guest, “Following this bitter, tragic event which has taken place within the borders of the Islamic Republic, we believe it is our duty to take revenge.” Khamenei’s official account on X (formerly twitter) is publishing photos and videos of his last meeting with Haniyeh.
📹 Last meeting
— Khamenei Media (@Khamenei_m) July 31, 2024
Moments from Martyr Ismail Haniyeh's last meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution#IsmailHaniye #Palestine #Hamas pic.twitter.com/IHo4CMfk3y
https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1818639068344832341API Response: Bad Request
Haniyeh, 62, was the Dean of the Islamic University of Gaza, and previously the prime minister of Gaza and in 2007 when the Unity government dissolved, he had a falling out with the PA President Mahmoud Abbas. He has been the head of Hamas’ politburo since 2017, and was mostly based in Qatar. He has played a key role in Hamas's international diplomacy and negotiations on Gaza ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt with the United States since October 7. His death comes amid the current war on Gaza, where three of his sons were previously killed in an Israeli airstrike inside the besieged Strip. The military wing of Hamas is headed by Yahaya Sinwar.
Global Response to Israeli Strike in Iran
Palestinian Authority
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Haniyeh’s killing, prompting calls for a general strike and mass protests in the occupied West Bank.
China
China has been active in brokering a unity deal between Fatah and Hamas. Last week another meeting took place in Beijing with representatives from Fatah and Hamas, where a "unity deal" was signed by both parties. “We firmly oppose and condemn the assassination,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated. “Gaza should achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Russia
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh as an "absolutely unacceptable political murder”, adding that the attack would escalate tensions.
Turkey
Offering condolences to the Palestinian people, the Turkish foreign ministry criticised the Israeli government. The Turkish statement also warned that this act could expand the conflict in Gaza to a regional scale.
Pakistan
Pakistan has stated it is against all forms of terrorism, extrajudicial killings in a statement issued Wednesday. The Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch says the timing of the “reckless act” coincided with the inauguration of the President of Iran, an event attended by several foreign dignitaries, including the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The spokesperson said Pakistan views with serious concern the growing Israeli adventurism in the region. She said its latest acts constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and undermine efforts for peace.
Egypt
Egypt condemned the strikes on both the Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that could ignite the region.
Its foreign ministry says that the strikes undermine “the strenuous efforts made by Egypt and its partners to stop the war in the Gaza Strip.”
Jordan
In a statement on X, the Jordanian foreign ministry stated that Haniyeh’s killing was, "a violation of international law and humanitarian law," and an "escalatory crime" which will cause further tension and chaos in the region.
The statement added that ministry spokesman Sufyan Al-Qudah Jordan's "firm stance" against violations of international law and state sovereignty, condemning political assassinations, terrorism, and violence, irrespective of their motives.
Malaysia
In a statement by Wisma Putra, the country’s foreign ministry’s office extended condolences and sympathies to Haniyeh’s family members, as well as the leadership of Palestine. “Malaysia unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, including targeted assassination, and urges all peace-loving nations to join in denouncing such acts. The incident underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforces the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions," read the statement, also emphasising the “urgent need for de-escalation.”
Qatar
Qatar has called Haniyeh’s assassination a “heinous crime, a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that this attack and “reckless” Israeli killings of civilians in Gaza “will lead to the region slipping into chaos and undermine the chances of peace.”