By Debra Rono
Ismael Haniyeh, the prominent political leader of Hamas, has been reported dead in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
As stated by Hamas, the Palestinian organization that governs parts of the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, Haniyeh lost his life when a building he was occupying was targeted in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in his death alongside his bodyguard.
Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Tuesday.
Hamas expressed its condolences, stating, “the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas mourns our great Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nation, and all the free people of the world: brother, leader, martyr, Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh.”
The group further claimed, “the head of the movement was killed in a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran, after participating in the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian president.”
Reports indicate that Haniyeh was killed when an “airborne guided projectile struck a residence for military veterans in northern Tehran, where he was staying, around 2 a.m. local time (22:30 GMT on Tuesday).
The Iranian commander has publicly condemned the attack, attributing blame to Israel.
“Be prepared to tell the Zionists what the punishment is for shedding the blood of a guest in our home,” he stated.
Israel has not commented on the incident.
The Iranian president also expressed his sorrow over Haniyeh’s death, referring to him as his “sharer of sorrow and joy.”
“Today, dear Iran is mourning its sharer of sorrows and joys, the constant and proud companion of the path of resistance, the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, the martyr of al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh. Yesterday I raised his victorious hand and today I have to bury him on my shoulders,” President Masoud Pezeshkian remarked.
Iran president vowed to seek retribution for Haniyeh’s death, labeling it a “cowardly action,” and asserted that “the Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity.”
Following an attack by Hamas on October 7, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza with the aim of eliminating the group and targeting its leaders.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 200 others. Media reports indicate that at least 39,400 Palestinians have been killed and 90,996 injured in the ongoing war with Israel.