Hamas Leader Assassinated
Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, has been killed in an airstrike in Tehran, Iran. The 62-year-old leader was reportedly targeted at around 02:00 local time, making him the most senior Hamas figure to be assassinated since the October 7 attacks.
Israel Blamed for Attack
Hamas has accused Israel of carrying out the airstrike, although Israel has not officially responded. Previously, Israel had vowed to eliminate the leaders of Hamas following the group’s attacks. The incident has raised tensions across the Middle East.
Iran Vows Retaliation
Iran, a significant supporter of Hamas, has vowed to avenge Haniyeh’s death. The Iranian government has condemned the attack and promised severe repercussions. This development comes shortly after Israel claimed responsibility for killing a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon.
Impact on Ceasefire Talks
Haniyeh’s assassination complicates ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. As a key negotiator, his death is expected to disrupt the dialogue aimed at ending the conflict. Qatar’s Prime Minister has questioned how talks can succeed when one side targets negotiators from the other side.
International Reactions
There has been widespread condemnation of the attack from across the Middle East and beyond. Jordan and Lebanon have strongly criticised the assassination, warning of potential escalations in the region. China’s foreign ministry also expressed deep concern over the incident.
Future of Hamas Leadership
The assassination of Haniyeh leaves a significant void in Hamas’s leadership. It remains to be seen how the organisation will respond and who will succeed him. Analysts suggest that the group’s focus will now shift to identifying a new leader, which may prolong the conflict.
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