Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday. The attack was executed using an explosive device that had been hidden in the guest house where Haniyeh was staying. According to sources, the bomb was concealed approximately two months prior and was detonated remotely once Haniyeh was inside his room.
The Iranian government and Hamas have accused Israel of carrying out the assassination, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. US officials were only briefed on the operation by Israeli officials after the assassination had occurred. The New York Times was the first to report on the details of Haniyeh’s death.
Haniyeh’s assassination has raised concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, possibly leading to a multi-front war in the Middle East. Iranian state media and Hamas initially suggested that Haniyeh was killed by a rocket, but the revelation of a bomb smuggled inside the guest house indicates a significant security breach.
Hamas Leader Assassinated in Tehran, Ismail Haniyeh’s Death Attributed to Israel
Prior to his assassination, Haniyeh had a busy schedule in Tehran, including meetings with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and new President Masoud Pezeshkian, and attending the inauguration ceremony at Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly building. His final public appearance was at an exhibit at Tehran’s Milad Tower, just before his death.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed harsh retaliation for the assassination. Haniyeh’s body was flown to Doha for burial, and his funeral will take place after Friday prayers. His wife, Umm al-Abed, mourned publicly, emphasizing the strength and determination he brought to his followers.
The assassination of Haniyeh comes on the heels of another Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah commander Fu’ad Shukr. Hezbollah has vowed retaliation, which, coupled with tensions in the region, has led the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be on high alert. Israeli military preparations are intensified, including exercises for potential war scenarios, while the IDF prepares for possible Iranian-backed responses.
