Ismail Haniyeh, the former Palestinian prime minister and political leader of Hamas, has passed away at 62. Born in a family of refugees in al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, Haniyeh rose through the ranks of Hamas, eventually becoming the head of its political bureau.
In 2006, after Hamas won the legislative elections, Haniyeh formed a government and served as the Palestinian prime minister for a year. Throughout his life, he faced challenges and was a target for Israel, surviving multiple assassination attempts.
With a background in Arabic literature, Haniyeh played a significant role in Hamas’ development and remained at the forefront of Palestinian politics. His leadership saw both accomplishments and controversies, including internal conflicts with rival Fatah.
Despite surviving previous attempts on his life and facing international scrutiny, Haniyeh tragically met his end in Tehran, during an official visit. His assassination led to widespread condemnation from various countries and political parties, highlighting his complex legacy in the Palestinian struggle for independence.