Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said that early Wednesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran. Hamas blamed Israel for the attack while Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian’s swearing-in Ceremony.
There was no comment from Israel regarding the issue. Also, they have vowed to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders after the group attack on 7 October, killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Iran said that the strike came after he had attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new President.
Hamas claimed that: “Haniyeh was killed in a Zionist airstrike on his residence in Tehran.”Haniyeh was the public face of Hamas, responsible for the group’s interest in various Arab countries. He was making efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. The assassination of the Hamas leader is not unusual. Within the Palestinian National Movement, Haniyeh was a popular figure.
Hamas later said Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike and blamed Israel. An Israeli spokesperson didn’t comment on this statement. They often don’t comment on assassinations carried out by its strikes on other countries.
Following are some reactions to Haniyeh’s death:
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Naseer Kanaani
“ Haniyeh’s martyrdom will strengthen the deep and unbreakable bond between Tehran, Palestine, and resistance.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
President Mahmoud Abbas termed this killing as “ A Cowardly Act” and suggested that Palestinian people stay united and stand firm against Israeli occupation.
Deputy Foriegn Minister of Russia, Mikhali bogdanov
“ This is absolutely unacceptable political murder.”
Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Deputy Secretary Journals, Muhammad al Hindi
He elaborated that: “ This assassination is not only directed to Hamas and Palestine, but it is now for Iran too.”
