Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in Iran.

 

**JERUSALEM and LONDON** — Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas who was assassinated early Wednesday in Iran, was a longstanding adversary of Israel. He ascended to become the head of Hamas' political bureau, broadened the organization's influence beyond the Gaza Strip, and played a significant role in negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Accused by Western and Israeli leaders of strong connections to Hamas's military wing—which was responsible for the October 7 surprise attack on southern Israel—Haniyeh had previously been imprisoned by Israel in 1989 and spent three years in custody before rising to prominence within Hamas.

Haniyeh was involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken chose not to comment on the assassination or its potential impact on these negotiations, emphasizing the ongoing need to work towards a ceasefire and the safe return of hostages. The assassination has not yet been claimed by any group.

Haniyeh had led Hamas' political bureau since 2017, after the group won the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections and he was appointed prime minister. His tenure as prime minister was marked by conflict with Israel and a controversial dismissal by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Despite this, he continued to lead the political bureau and became a prominent figure in international negotiations.

Born in 1963 in the Shati refugee camp near Gaza City, Haniyeh studied at the Islamic University of Gaza and began his political career within the Islamic Bloc, the student wing of the Muslim Brotherhood from which Hamas emerged. Known for his charisma and pragmatism, he remained a symbol of resistance and leadership within Hamas, even as the movement faced numerous challenges, including the assassination of several of its leaders by Israel.

Since the outbreak of the current conflict on October 7, Haniyeh's family has also suffered losses, with three of his sons and several grandchildren killed.