Israel has confirmed that its forces killed former Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this year. The killing was revealed by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels that their leadership could face a similar fate.
“We will hit the Houthis hard … and decapitate their leadership — just as we did in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon with Haniya, (Yahya) Sinwar and (Hassan) Nasrallah,” Katz said. The Guardian.
Haniyeh, known for leading Hamas’ efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza, was killed on July 31 in a Tehran guesthouse. Reports indicate that an explosive device planted by Israeli operatives weeks ago was used in the assassination.
A senior Hamas official condemned the killing, calling it a “cowardly act” that would not go unpunished. Qatari and Egyptian mediators warned the move would delay ceasefire talks and negotiations on the release of hostages in Gaza.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have been launching missile and drone attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Among these attacks, at least 16 people were injured in Saturday’s missile attack on Tel Aviv.
Israel has responded with three rounds of airstrikes during the ongoing war in Yemen and has vowed to increase pressure on the Houthis until the attacks stop.
The Guardian Also informed Hanih’s murder Following the assassination of other key leaders, including Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on September 27 and Yahya Sinwar of Hamas in Gaza on October 16.
Sinwar was accused of masterminding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the current conflict in Gaza.
(Including information from The Guardian)
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