Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was fatally struck by a “short-range projectile” outside his Tehran guesthouse, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The paramilitary organization claimed the projectile, weighing around 7kg (16lbs), caused a powerful blast that killed Haniyeh and his bodyguard last Wednesday. The IRGC blamed Israel for the attack, alleging US support. However, Israel has not commented on the incident.
The IRGC’s account contradicts Western media reports suggesting Israeli operatives planted explosives in the guesthouse. The security failures surrounding Haniyeh’s death have embarrassed Iran and the IRGC, leading to dozens of arrests and dismissals within the organization.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers for Haniyeh, but was quickly whisked away by his security detail. The IRGC’s statement followed reports by Britain’s Daily Telegraph and The New York Times that Haniyeh was killed by explosives planted in his room by Israeli agents.
Hamas officials confirmed Haniyeh had previously stayed at the same guesthouse. Both Iran and Hamas have vowed retaliation, with the IRGC promising “severe punishment” for Israel. Hezbollah has also threatened reprisals.
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with Israel on high alert and international airlines suspending flights to the country. The US has deployed additional warships and fighter jets to the Middle East to support Israel. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned of a rising risk of rapid deterioration in the situation.
In a separate development, Israel conducted an airstrike in the occupied West Bank, killing a Hamas commander and four senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters. Israeli officials are in Cairo for ceasefire talks, but US President Joe Biden acknowledged that Haniyeh’s death has hindered negotiations.
