BEIRUT. Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader of Hamas, was killed early Wednesday by an airstrike in Tehran, according to Iranian and Hamas sources. This attack, attributed to Israel, comes at a time of heightened regional volatility and threatens to inflame the ongoing conflicts further.
The assassination occurred just after Haniyeh attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran. The timing is significant, as it follows a recent Israeli strike on a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, which was allegedly in response to a rocket attack on Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that killed 12 people.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation, stating, “We consider his revenge as our duty” and accusing Israel of preparing “a harsh punishment for itself” by killing “a dear guest in our home.” This statement underscores the potential for significant escalation between Iran and Israel.
The Israeli government has yet to comment officially on Haniyeh’s killing. However, the assassination comes amidst Israel’s broader campaign against Hamas leaders, following their October 7 attack on southern Israel. Haniyeh, who had been living in exile in Qatar since 2019, was targeted in what is seen as a highly sensitive operation due to its location in Tehran.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Singapore, stated, “This is something we were not aware of or involved in,” and emphasized the continued importance of pursuing a cease-fire. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution, stating, “I don’t think that war is inevitable.”
The killing of Haniyeh could jeopardize ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release in the Gaza conflict, which had seen some progress. It also risks inflaming tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially pushing the region toward broader conflict.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned of a “harsh and painful response” and an emergency meeting of Iran’s parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy was convened to address the situation. The impact of Haniyeh’s death might extend beyond direct retaliation, possibly provoking increased aggression from Iran’s allies, including Hezbollah and other militant groups within the “Axis of Resistance.”
The strike also highlights Israel’s history of targeting key figures in the region, reminiscent of its past operations against Iranian nuclear scientists. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains concerned about the potential for a devastating regional war.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
