Israel has officially confirmed the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in a targeted operation in Tehran last July. Defense Minister Israel Katz disclosed this during a speech where he also vowed to eliminate the leadership of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, which has intensified missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Haniyeh, 62, was a pivotal figure in Hamas, playing a central role in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. His killing was part of Israel’s broader campaign to dismantle leadership networks of groups aligned with Iran. Following his assassination, Yahya Sinwar, another senior Hamas figure, briefly took the helm before being killed in Gaza in October. Hamas is still in the process of appointing a new leader.
Regional Tensions Widen
Katz highlighted that Israel’s campaign extends beyond Gaza, referencing the killings of Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah earlier this year. Katz stated, “We will strike hard at the Houthis and decapitate their leadership, just as we did with Haniyeh and Nasrallah.”
In Yemen, the Houthi rebel group, also backed by Iran, has launched hypersonic missiles and drones at Israeli and international targets in the Red Sea. This escalation follows Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza after Hamas’s attacks in October last year, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages.
Humanitarian Concerns Amid Ceasefire Talks
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported progress in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, rights groups raised alarms over Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation. Organizations like Oxfam and Amnesty International criticized delays in aid delivery, with Oxfam accusing Israel of deliberate obstructions. Israeli authorities countered, stating their extensive humanitarian efforts have been misrepresented.
The conflict, ongoing for over a year, has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with Gaza bearing the brunt of the devastation. Despite international calls for restraint, the violence continues, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and complicating peace efforts.
This evolving conflict underscores the volatility in the region as Israel maintains its stance against Iran-backed groups while navigating international pressure for a resolution.
BBC NEWS, CNN, THE REUTERS, GUARDIANS
