Israel’s assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran rocked the Palestinian resistance group, as war raged back in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three of his sons and numerous family members. Despite his tough rhetoric, Haniyeh was seen as a moderate by many diplomats compared to the more hardline members of Hamas.
Appointed to the top job in 2017, Haniyeh navigated between Türkiye and Qatar’s Doha, serving as a negotiator in cease-fire talks and discussions with Hamas’ ally Iran. He criticized the Arab states’ normalization agreements with Israel, asserting they would not end the conflict.
Sons killed by Israel
Haniyeh’s three sons and four grandchildren were among the casualties of an April 10 Israeli airstrike, sparking international outrage. Despite the personal losses, Haniyeh remained focused on the Palestinian people’s interests and continued to engage in truce talks.
Shuttle diplomacy
Haniyeh’s involvement in shuttle diplomacy with Arab governments highlighted his role as the political and diplomatic face of Hamas. Despite his death, his legacy as a key Hamas leader and negotiator in the region remains intact.