Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas Political Bureau, was assassinated in Tehran early Wednesday. Hamas condemned the Israeli strike on Haniyeh’s residence, calling it a “severe escalation” that would fail to achieve its objectives. Haniyeh was killed in what Hamas described as a “treacherous Zionist strike” after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also issued a statement promising “harsh punishment” for Israel in response to Haniyeh’s assassination. Iran’s Response: Given the strategic alliance between Iran and Hamas, Iran is likely to feel compelled to respond.

Source: Daily News Egypt July 31, 2024 15:16 UTC