Ismail Haniyeh, the top leader of Hamas’s political branch has been killed in a politically motivated attack on Tehran. This death has been confirmed by Iranian security and Hamas. Agents suspected of being Israeli have reportedly targeted Haniyeh.
The Attack
As per Iranian news organizations, Haniyeh was in Tehran for the introduction service of the Iranian president. Haniyeh’s bodyguard was also killed in the attack, which occurred Wednesday morning at his home in Tehran. Iranian authorities said results from their investigation into the assassination will be made public shortly thereafter.
Family Tragedy and Background
It is noteworthy that numerous members of Haniyeh’s family had already been martyred during the Gaza conflict.
A Look At Ismail Haniyeh’s Life
In 1962, Ismail Haniyeh was born at Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City. At age 16 he married his cousin Amal Haniyah with whom he fathered 13 children (8 sons and five daughters).
In 1987, after earning a degree in Arabic literature from the Islamic University of Gaza, Haniya received an honorary doctorate from the same institution in 2009.
Political Career
Ismail Haniyeh was a key figure in Palestinian politics holding positions such as former Prime Minister of Palestine; political leader of Hamas; and Chairman – of Hamas Political Bureau among others. He became the political leader for Hamas after Khaled Meshaal stepped down in 2017 while residing as its chief since then till now (2023) when he moved base to Qatar. When it started up back in ’88, Haneyah was one among many founding fathers/partners within this group. In ’97, he served Sheikh Ahmed Yassin who is regarded as spiritual head over all members affiliated therein personally. First Intifada imprisonment lasted six months before being freed by Israel later on.
Imprisonment And Return
After getting re-arrested again -this time around being deported towards Lebanon where they took him further away until finally came home again following the Oslo Accords.
In ’06 after winning most seats during Palestinian elections held earlier that year, Ismail Haneyyah became Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority but soon disagreements arose leading to a short-lived government between different factions within the party which still allowed them to control everything else particularly Gaza strip where Haniya remained at top boss throughout period thus establishing himself within leadership circles among peers despite setbacks faced along way through path traveled toward success achieved eventually.
