Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, a major figure in the Palestinian liberation movement, was assassinated in Tehran at the age of 62. Hamas described it as a “treacherous Zionist raid.” Haniyeh was killed alongside a bodyguard during Israel’s war on Gaza, while attending Iran’s president’s inauguration.
Throughout his life, Haniyeh faced numerous challenges, including imprisonment and assassination attempts. Despite this, he rose to prominence within Hamas, becoming prime minister of the PA in 2006 after a surprising election win.
Western governments viewed Hamas as a terrorist organization, cutting aid to the PA when it won elections. Tensions with Fatah led to Haniyeh’s dismissal and the formation of an independent Hamas-led government in Gaza in 2007.
As head of Hamas’s political bureau, Haniyeh played a key role in diplomacy and ceasefire talks. His assassination is the latest in a series of attacks on senior Hamas leaders, but experts believe these actions will not deter Palestinian resistance.