The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has taken a dramatic turn following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. According to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile with a warhead, which they allege was fired by Israel. The IRGC has vowed to seek revenge at an appropriate time, further heightening the already volatile situation in the region.
The IRGC’s statement, broadcasted on Iranian state media, accuses both Israel and the United States of orchestrating and supporting the attack. The IRNA news agency quoted the IRGC as saying, “This terrorist attack was designed and implemented by the Zionist regime (Israel) and supported by the criminal government of America.” This rhetoric underscores the deep-seated animosity and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
Haniyeh was killed in northern Tehran, where he was staying after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. The attack, which used a rocket with a seven-kilogram warhead, caused significant devastation at the site. The IRGC’s statement emphasised their intent to “avenge the blood of Haniyeh,” promising severe punishment for Israel.
The death of Haniyeh, along with his bodyguard, has led to a series of strong reactions from Iran and its allies. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led a public funeral ceremony for Haniyeh in Tehran before his coffin was transported to Doha. Khamenei has threatened “harsh punishment” for Haniyeh’s killing and ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation. This order was given during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
The incident has drawn further attention due to its timing, coinciding with the killing of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli air attack on the southern suburbs of Beirut. This simultaneous loss of key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas has fueled speculations about coordinated efforts by Israel against these groups.
In response, Hezbollah launched a barrage of Katyusha rockets towards the Beit Hillel settlement in northern Israel, claiming it was in retaliation for Israel’s targeting of civilians in Lebanon. Videos from the area showed Israel’s Iron Dome defence system being activated to intercept the rockets, indicating the intensity of the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to address the escalating violence. During a meeting in Doha, Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
They also discussed Iran’s call for an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to address the assassination of the Hamas leader.
The situation remains highly fluid, with potential for further escalation. The death of Haniyeh and the subsequent reactions from Iran and Hezbollah highlight the fragile nature of peace and stability in the region.
As both sides prepare for possible retaliatory actions, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
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