Haniyeh Killing to Spoil Prospects of Peace Talks as Hardliners Push for ‘Strong Response’
The recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Israel’s strike on a senior Hezbollah official are likely to negatively impact ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, experts predict. Haniyeh’s death, along with the attack on Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, raises concern for the ongoing peace talks in the region.
According to Gareth Jenkins, a research fellow, these targeted killings could hinder efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages held by Hamas. The escalating tensions may also lead to a regional conflict between Israel and Hamas. Jenkins believes that hardliners within both Hamas and Iran will push for a strong response.
“The peace talks will continue, if only because other actors such as Qatar and Egypt will insist that Hamas keeps negotiating,” said Kanishkan Sathasivam, a political science professor.
While the situation remains fluid, the risk of further escalation persists. The complex dynamics between various factions in the Middle East pose a challenge, with Iran potentially influencing groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and others. The region’s stability hangs in the balance.