Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran, on July 31, 2024, according to statements from Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. The attack occurred shortly after Haniyeh attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.Hamas described the attack as a ‘treacherous Zionist raid’ on Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran, directly blaming Israel for the assassination. According to Palestinian media sources citing Iranian sources, the assassination was reportedly carried out using a guided missile that directly targeted Haniyeh’s body.The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed in the attack, stating that the incident is under investigation. The attack reportedly took place at 2 am local time in Tehran.The assassination comes at a critical time, potentially derailing ongoing efforts to broker a temporary cease-fire and hostage-release deal between Hamas and Israel. Hamas officials have described the attack as a ‘serious escalation’ that ‘will not go unpunished’.The incident has further heightened tensions in the region, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemning the assassination as a ‘cowardly act and dangerous development’. The international community, including Turkey and Russia, has also condemned the killing.Haniyeh, who had been living in exile since leaving the Gaza Strip in 2019, served as the leader of Hamas’ political bureau since 2017. His death marks a significant blow to the organization’s leadership structure and raises questions about the future of Hamas-Iran relations.
Key points
- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran, shortly after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president.
- The assassination was reportedly carried out using a guided missile, according to Palestinian media sources.
- Hamas and other Palestinian officials have vowed retaliation, potentially escalating regional tensions.
- The international community, including Turkey and Russia, has condemned the assassination.
Contradictions👾While most sources report that Haniyeh was killed in his residence, one source claims the attack occurred at his headquarters.
There are also slight discrepancies in the exact timing and location of Haniyeh’s last public appearance, with some sources mentioning a meeting with the Iranian president just hours before the attack, while others only mention his attendance at the inauguration ceremony.
