DUBAI. The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the prominent Hamas leader killed in Iran, marks a significant blow to the militant group, shaking its international diplomatic efforts amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Haniyeh, who had been a key figure in Hamas since his appointment as its leader in 2017, was known for his role as the face of the group’s diplomatic outreach. Despite the intense rhetoric, many diplomats regarded him as a relative moderate compared to more hardline factions within Hamas, which is supported by Iran.
Operating primarily from Turkey and Qatar, Haniyeh managed to navigate around the Gaza Strip’s blockades, enabling him to engage in crucial negotiations and communicate with allies like Iran. His public statements often reflected his role as a negotiator. For instance, following the October 7 raid by Hamas fighters that resulted in significant casualties and hostages, Haniyeh declared on Al Jazeera, “All the agreements of normalization that you (Arab states) signed with (Israel) will not end this conflict.”
The ongoing conflict has seen a devastating response from Israel, including a military campaign that has caused substantial loss of life and destruction in Gaza. Haniyeh’s sons—Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad—were among those killed in an Israeli airstrike in April. Haniyeh also lost four grandchildren in the same attack. Despite these personal losses, he continued to emphasize the broader struggle, asserting that “the interests of the Palestinian people are placed ahead of everything.”
Haniyeh’s leadership in Gaza involved efforts to engage in ceasefire talks and seek aid for the region. His death is seen as a severe setback for Hamas, particularly as it comes amidst accusations of war crimes and the broader struggle between Israel and the Palestinian group. The International Criminal Court had requested arrest warrants for Haniyeh, along with other Hamas leaders, in connection with alleged war crimes, though these allegations have been dismissed by Israel and Palestinian leaders.
While Haniyeh’s leadership was marked by his efforts to maintain diplomatic channels and negotiate truce deals, his assassination could significantly impact Hamas’ ability to continue these efforts. His death could also influence ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the broader regional dynamics involving Hamas and its allies, including Iran and Hezbollah.
A former student activist and protégé of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, Haniyeh was instrumental in the group’s political strategy, including its entry into the political sphere and subsequent control of Gaza. His leadership was characterized by a blend of political pragmatism and uncompromising resistance.
As the situation develops, the repercussions of Haniyeh’s assassination will likely be felt across the region, impacting Hamas’ strategies and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
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.
