Middle East long riven by killings of high-profile figures Killings of major political and military figures have been a recurring factor in the modern Middle East, often presenting a defining moment and changing the contours of history in several instancesKillings of major political and military figures have been a recurring factor in the modern Middle East, often presenting a defining moment and changing the contours of history in several instances. Whether carried out by a foreign or domestic attacker, the slayings — including some high-profile assassinations — have had a huge, immediate and lasting impact. During World War II, he had negotiated and helped secure the release of thousands of Jewish prisoners in German concentration camps. He would be one of several key figures slain over war and peace in the bitterly disputed Holy Land. MILITANT LEADERSTwo leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed within a month of each other in 2004 by Israeli airstrikes.

Source: ABC News January 03, 2020 14:03 UTC