This is a developing story.
Iran and Hamas made a joint announcement early Wednesday claiming that Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political arm, had been assassinated in Tehran. This marks the most senior leader of the terror group to be killed since Oct. 7.
Israel has not responded to the claims, and both Iran and Hamas have not provided any evidence to support the assertion of Haniyeh’s death. The statements were released on the messaging platform Telegram and further discussed in Iranian media.
Hamas has attributed the attack to Israel, stating that it occurred after Haniyeh attended a ceremony in Tehran to install Iran’s new president. Hamas officials have reportedly promised to retaliate.
“Hamas announces with sorrow to the Palestinian people and the Arab nation that leader Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, was killed in an Israeli attack on his location in Tehran, after attending the ceremony of the new Iranian president,” Hamas said in its statement.
If proven true, this would be a significant victory for Israel. Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, Israeli leaders vowed to eliminate Hamas’ leaders wherever they may be. Haniyeh had been residing in Qatar along with other senior Hamas officials.
Israel has previously targeted other Hamas figures in its ongoing conflict with the terror group in Gaza. Earlier this year, Israel assassinated Saleh Al-Arouri, Hamas’ deputy leader, in Beirut. In March, it eliminated the group’s third-in-command, and recently targeted the head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza, Mohammed Deif. Israel also killed three of Haniyeh’s sons in April.
Assassinations of Hamas leaders on Iranian soil would signify a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran’s proxies. The two countries have been engaged in hostilities for years, including direct military exchanges in recent months.
An assassination of Haniyeh would likely impact ongoing negotiations for a hostage and ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hamas currently holds over 100 hostages following the Oct. 7 attack.
The claims made by Iran and Hamas regarding Haniyeh come shortly after Israel announced the successful targeting of Fuad Shukr, a top military commander of Hezbollah, in Beirut. This followed a bombing by Hezbollah that resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teens in Israel.
Following the Beirut strike, Israeli leaders have urged vigilance among the population, preparing for potential retaliation while not expecting a major attack.