TEHRAN (Diya TV) – Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran yesterday. Haniyeh, who had led Hamas since 2017, was killed by a bomb hidden in his residence, reportedly planted months prior to his visit. This high-profile assassination comes amidst ongoing Israel-Hamas conflicts and could destabilize the region further.
Haniyeh was a prominent figure in Hamas, known for his moderate stance within the organization and his efforts to balance militant activities with political negotiations. Born in the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, Haniyeh’s rise in Hamas saw him involved in significant events, including the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections and the 2017 election as chairman of Hamas’s Political Bureau, leading him to relocate from Gaza to Qatar.
The assassination occurred two months after Haniyeh traveled to Iran for the inauguration of its newly elected president. Following Hamas’ attack on Israel in late 2023, Israel had declared its intention to target Hamas leaders, with this assassination potentially linked to that vow.
President Biden condemned the assassination, calling for restraint from all parties involved. The Committee to Protect Journalists and other international bodies have also expressed concern over the implications of Haniyeh’s death for press freedom and political stability in the region.
