Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was tragically killed in an airstrike on his residence in Tehran, where he had been visiting for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Haniyeh, a refugee born in Gaza, had a long history of activism and had survived previous arrests and attacks by Israel. He became a prominent figure in Hamas, advocating for the group’s involvement in politics and ultimately serving as the prime minister of the eleventh Palestinian government.
Known for his diplomatic approach, Haniyeh was described as a “great leader” even by his opponents. Despite being named in an ICC arrest warrant, he was seen as a pragmatic figure in Hamas. His assassination has raised uncertainty about the future of ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
Haniyeh’s death has sparked a vow from Hamas to continue resistance against Israeli forces, showing their determination in the face of adversity. This tragic event has left a void in the Palestinian leadership and will certainly have a lasting impact on the region.
