Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday, with varying accounts and reactions emerging from the incident. The assassination occurred as Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital for the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The attack has been widely attributed to Israel by analysts and some media sources, given Israel’s prior threats against Hamas leaders in response to the October 7 attack on Israel. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 250 others. While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement and typically refrains from public comments on such matters, the nature of the attack and the timing suggest possible Israeli involvement.
Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have condemned the assassination, accusing Israel of orchestrating the killing and promising retaliation. Khamenei stated that Iran views the assassination as an act requiring revenge, while Pezeshkian vowed that Iran will respond to defend its honor.
Hamas has also condemned the assassination, calling it a significant escalation and a direct attack on their leadership. They have vowed to continue their resistance and not be deterred by the assassination.
International reactions have been mixed. Russia and Qatar have criticized the assassination as a violation of international norms and a threat to regional stability. They expressed concerns that the attack could exacerbate tensions and lead to further conflict in the region.
The details of how Haniyeh was killed remain unclear, and the incident is under investigation. The assassination adds to the ongoing volatility in the Middle East, where tensions between Israel, Hamas, and regional actors remain high.
Israel’s Responsibility:
The majority of reports and analysts suggest that Israel is responsible for the assassination, citing previous pledges to target Hamas leaders in retaliation for the October 7 attack on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officials have not confirmed or denied involvement. Analysts argue that this assassination aligns with Israel’s history of targeted strikes against key figures in its adversaries’ ranks
Iranian and Hamas Reactions:
Iranian officials and Hamas leaders have condemned the assassination, blaming Israel and vowing retaliation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian have expressed a duty to avenge Haniyeh’s death. Hamas has described the assassination as a significant escalation and vowed to continue their resistance
International Reactions:
Several international governments, including Russia and Qatar, have condemned the assassination, labeling it as a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability. They view the attack as a violation of international norms and a potential catalyst for further conflict.
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Washington Post:
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Ismail Haniyeh, political chief of Hamas, killed in attack in Iran