Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran

Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political chief, was assassinated in Tehran at the age of 62, an act described by Hamas as a 'treacherous Zionist raid.' While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, the assassination is seen as a strategic move to prevent Hamas from governing Gaza again, as noted by Middle East analysts. Haniyeh was in Iran for the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian when he was targeted, and his death follows a pattern of Israel intensifying its operations against Hamas leadership. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with concerns that it could lead to wider conflict, particularly following Israel's recent strikes against Hezbollah leaders as well. The assassination has drawn international condemnation, including from Pakistan, which expressed shock at the timing and called for an end to extrajudicial killings. As the conflict in Gaza escalates, this event underscores the fragile and volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics.