BEIRUT (AP) — Hamas' top political leader was killed Wednesday by a predawn airstrike in the Iranian capital, Iran and the militant group said, blaming Israel for a shock assassination that risked escalating into an all-out regional war. Most dangerous was the potential to push Iran and Israel into direct confrontation if Iran retaliates. The strike also killed three women and two children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Israel has targeted Hamas figures in Lebanon and Syria during the war, but going after Haniyeh in Iran was vastly more sensitive. One of his bodyguards was killed, Iranian officials said.
