Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated, following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s top political leader. Tehran has accused Tel Aviv of being responsible for the murder.  

According to reports, the 62-year-old former Palestine Prime Minister and Hamas leader was killed, and the militant organization is accusing Israel of carrying out the attack. Hamas claimed that Haniyeh was the target of an Israeli strike on his residence, but the Israeli military has not reacted to these allegations.  

The killing escalates fears of wider conflict in the Middle East. Haniyeh’s death could also lead to delay in efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza.

Who was Ismail Haniyeh? 

As Hamas’s political leader since 2017, Ismail Haniyeh has been a key figure during the recent conflict with Israel. 

Haniyeh, who was raised in a Gaza City refugee camp, joined Hamas in the late 1980s during the First Intifada (series of Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule and occupation). He briefly served as the Prime Minister of Palestinian Authority after Hamas won the elections in 2006. However, PA President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed him a year later. As of now, Haniyeh remains the sole Prime Minister, elected by popular vote.  

What is Hamas-Israel Conflict? 

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on various sites in Israel sites, including towns, an army camp, and a music festival. According to the Israeli government, this assault resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of about 240 hostages, including children. In retaliation, Israeli leaders promised to destroy Hamas, a Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip and is classified as a terrorist group by the US, Israel and other countries.  

Since then, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza and launched one of the largest bombing campaigns of the century. Since the campaign started, over 11,000 Palestinians have died, including over 4,600 children, confirmed by Gaza’s Health Ministry.