Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran: What’s next in Israel-Palestine conflict?

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.

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.

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.