Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the early hours of the morning in Iran, Palestinian group Hamas said on Wednesday, drawing fears of a wider escalation in a region shaken by Israel’s offensive in Gaza and a worsening conflict in Lebanon. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances around Ismail Haniyeh killed. #IsmailHaniyehKilled
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed Ismail Haniyeh killed, hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the new president. They are investigating the incident.
Iran’s state-owned news agency confirmed Haniyeh’s killing. They added that one of his bodyguards was also killed in their residence early Wednesday.
There was no immediate comment from Israel. The Israeli military said it was conducting a situational assessment but had not issued any new security guidelines for civilians.
The news came less than 24 hours after Israel claimed to have killed a Hezbollah commander. This setback diminishes the chances of a ceasefire in Gaza.
“This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas,” senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
“We confirm that this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives. Hamas is a concept and an institution and not persons,” he said.
Zuhri vowed Hamas would continue the path it was following, adding: “We are confident of victory.”
Iran’s top security body is expected to meet to decide Iran’s strategy in reaction to the death of Haniyeh, a close ally of Tehran, said a source with knowledge of the meeting. #IsmailHaniyehKilled
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Washington would work to try to ease tensions but said the United States would help defend Israel if it were attacked.
