Hamas’s deputy chief in Gaza, Khalil Al-Hayya, stated that neither Hamas nor Iran seeks a regional conflict, though a crime demands retribution. This comment came during a press conference in Tehran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Both Hamas and Iran blame Israel for the strike. While Israel has not officially commented, it has previously expressed intent to eliminate Hamas leaders. Haniyeh, 62, is the highest-ranking leader to be killed since the October 7 attacks.
This assassination, occurring hours after a senior Hezbollah commander was targeted in Beirut, raises concerns of an escalating Middle Eastern conflict. Israel claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, describing it as an “intelligence-based elimination” of Fuad Shukr.
Qatar and Egypt, mediators in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, warned that Haniyeh’s killing could undermine truce efforts in Gaza. Analysts suggest that the Israeli Prime Minister’s resistance to a ceasefire may be influenced by political ambitions.
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The attack is seen as a serious breach of Iranian sovereignty and a challenge to its ability to protect visiting allies like Haniyeh. Reports indicate Haniyeh was staying in a veterans’ guest house, raising questions about the security responsibilities of the elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and the broader implications of an Israeli assassination within Iran.
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Amidst the uproar following the strikes, Iran faces a complex dilemma. Tehran has hesitated to unleash its powerful proxy, Hezbollah, into a full-scale war with Israel. The situation remains volatile, and the global community awaits Iran’s next move with great anticipation.
The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
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