Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps has confirmed the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the top political leader of Hamas, during an inauguration event for Iran’s new president. Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar, and an Iranian security guard were reportedly killed at their place of residence.
🔴 IRGC: Head of Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh martyred in Tehran.#Hamas #Iran pic.twitter.com/HDQwlh3Xzv
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) July 31, 2024
Israel had vowed to kill Hamas leaders soon after the group’s incursion on Oct. 7.
The attack follows a strike by Israel on Beirut on Tuesday that targeted senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Shukr, reportedly the mastermind behind a recent attack that killed 12 children in the Golan Heights, is believed to have died in the strike. The Lebanese health ministry reported that the strike killed three civilians, including two children, and injured 74 others.
The death of the Hamas leader took place just hours after a significant portion of Israeli airspace was closed for unexplained reasons.
NOTAMs have been issued in Israel, resulting in the closure of a significant portion of Israeli airspace. The NOTAMs were reportedly issued after a situational assessment. pic.twitter.com/FJjk3Xf5aj
— Global: Military-Info (@Global_Mil_Info) July 31, 2024
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed a stern response to the Golan Heights strike, which Hezbollah denied responsibility for. Lebanon’s current prime minister condemned the airstrike and plans to file a complaint with the U.N. Security Council.In Tehran, during the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior figures from groups within Iran’s “axis of resistance,” including Haniyeh, were present.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is killed with one of his bodyguards in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/widFinIbnF
— ZaidBenjamin زيد بنيامين (@ZaidBenjamin5) July 31, 2024
Shortly after his speech asserting support for Palestinians, news of Haniyeh’s assassination broke. Immediately after the news of Haniyeh’s death broke, multiple reports emerged that Hamas vengeance would be swift. Member of the Hamas Political Bureau, Musa Abu Marzouk said that the assassination of Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not be in vain.
The price of oil rose after the report hitting a session high.