EXPLAINER
The senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated early Wednesday, raising concerns about the stability of the region. Al Jazeera provides a breakdown of what happened and the potential repercussions.
Haniyeh, 62, was killed by an “airborne guided projectile” in Iran, threatening to escalate the Gaza war into a broader conflict. The attack occurred during Iranian President Pezeshkian’s inauguration, where Haniyeh was in attendance.
What happened to Haniyeh and when?
- At around 2am local time on Wednesday, Haniyeh was targeted while staying in north Tehran.
- He was last seen at Pezeshkian’s inauguration, where they discussed Palestinian freedom.
Where in Iran did it happen?
- The strike targeted Haniyeh’s location in north Tehran, causing tensions with Iran.
- Analysts believe the attack was orchestrated to embarrass Tehran.
Who was Haniyeh?
- Haniyeh was a key Hamas leader involved in the movement for over two decades.
- Despite facing challenges, including being designated as a “terrorist” by the US, he continued to lead Hamas diplomatically.
![Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran: What's next in Israel-Palestine conflict? 2 Haniyeh speaking to the media](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AP24030718245867-1722402550.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513)
Who killed Haniyeh?
- Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the assassination, with indications of US involvement.
- The attack seems to be part of a larger strategy against Iran-backed leaders.
How does this impact the Israel war on Gaza?
- Haniyeh played a crucial role in ceasefire negotiations, and his death may hinder progress towards peace.
- The region now faces uncertainty as talks are disrupted by the assassination.
Who could succeed Haniyeh?
- Possible successors include Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya, but challenges lie ahead for Hamas.
- The future leader will need to decide on the movement’s direction and approach to politics.
![Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran: What's next in Israel-Palestine conflict? 3 Hamas leaders embracing](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-31T042003Z_1373844419_RC2469AKIN6U_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-HAMAS-1722429891.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C560)
What’s the wider context?
- The consecutive attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas leaders have raised concerns about regional conflict.
- Israel’s actions risk further instability and provoke retaliation from Iran and its allies.
What are the reactions?
- Gaza and Palestine: Residents view Haniyeh as a moderating force and mourn his loss.
- Hamas: The group denounces the assassination as an attempt to weaken their resolve.
- US: Officials deny involvement in Haniyeh’s death but reaffirm support for Israel’s security.
- China: Condemns the killing and calls for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
- Turkey: Blames Israel for the escalation and warns of larger conflicts in the region.
What comes next?
- Short term: Haniyeh’s body will be laid to rest in Qatar after ceremonies in Tehran.
- Long term: Escalating tensions may lead to broader regional conflict, impacting international relations.