Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated while visiting Iran’s capital Tehran, just hours after Hezbollah’s top military commander Fu’ad Shukr was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut, plunging the region into a new round of turmoil.
While Israel claimed responsibility for the attack on Shukr, it did not claim responsibility for the attack on Iran, with the military saying it “does not respond to reports in foreign media.”
Much is still unknown about this attack, including how it happened and how it happened on Iranian soil.
Who was Ismail Haniyeh?
He was part of Hamas for decades, in recent years running the militant group’s political operations from exile and emerging as one of its most visible leaders during the war with Israel in Gaza.
He was a key interlocutor with international mediators in hostage and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Who was Fu’ad Shukr?
He was a senior military adviser to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, considered his right-hand man and a member of the jihad council.
The US government had offered a $5 million reward for information about him and his whereabouts.
Haniyeh was killed on the first day of the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in office. He was in Iran for Pezeshkian’s inauguration. Iran has been a major backer of Hamas.
How did world leaders react?
Haniyeh’s assassination has rattled regional leaders, with Qatar labeling it a “dangerous escalation” and Turkey’s president calling it a “despicable act.”
U.S
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a visit to Singapore, said the United States was “not aware of or involved” in Haniyeh’s assassination.
In an interview, the top US diplomat said he would not speculate on the impact of the killing.
Will
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said it was the nation’s duty to avenge Haniyeh’s death as he was killed on its soil.
“You killed our dear guest in our home and now paved the way for your severe punishment,” he said, referring to Israel.
Haniyeh’s death is a significant blow to the Palestinian militant group — and comes at a tense time for the Middle East, with escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah threatening to escalate into a regional war. It also calls into question the future of negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
