Hamas chief’s killing

THE assassination of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran marks a perilous escalation in already volatile West Asia. Haniyeh, killed by an airborne guided projectile, was in Iran for the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. The timing and location of the killing were not coincidental, aiming to embarrass Tehran and destabilise the region further. Haniyeh’s death reverberates far beyond Gaza. As a crucial figure in ceasefire negotiations, his absence shatters the fragile hope for peace. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has rightly questioned the viability of mediation when one party eliminates key negotiators from the other side. The assassination has undermined diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the violence.
Suspicion falls on Israel, though no official claim of responsibility has been made. The context, however, points towards a broader strategy to weaken Iran-backed militant groups. This move follows a targeted strike in Beirut that killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shakr. These actions suggest a coordinated effort to neutralise perceived threats, yet they also risk igniting a wider conflict involving multiple state and non-state actors. Iran’s response has been predictably fierce, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promising harsh retaliation. The assassination could draw Iran into a direct conflict with Israel. The US, while denying involvement, remains a critical player in this geopolitical chess game, with its unwavering support for Israel complicating peace efforts.
In Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories, Haniyeh was seen as a pragmatic leader. His death could embolden more hardline factions within Hamas, escalating violence and reducing the chances of a diplomatic resolution. The situation demands a concerted international effort to de-escalate tensions. Otherwise, West Asia risks sliding into an all-out war, with catastrophic consequences for regional and global stability.