Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh has been killed. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed this. IRGC said on Wednesday morning that Haniyeh's hideout in Tehran was attacked with a missile at 2 am (4 am Indian time). Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed in this.
There are apprehensions that Ismail Haniyeh's killing could lead to escalation amidst ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Iran has already said that Israel would have to repent for the attack. Many countries including Russia, China, Turkey, Qatar have described the attack as unacceptable but the US said it will support Israel if there is any retaliatory attack.
Emergency meeting of Iran Security Council
An emergency meeting of the Iran Security Council was held at the house of Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei. Such meetings are held in very serious circumstances. Iran's Qud Force Commander is also present in the meeting.
Haniyeh was in Tehran on Tuesday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas has confirmed Haniyeh's death. Iran has accused Israel of killing Haniyeh. However, there has been no statement from Israel.
Under Haniyeh's leadership, Hamas carried out the biggest attack on Israel in 75 years on October 7 last year. More than 1,200 people were killed in this.
'Iran will definitely protect its sovereignty'
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has threatened Israel. After Haniyeh's death, Pezeshkian said, "We will force them to repent over this attack. Iran will definitely protect its sovereignty and dignity."
On Tuesday itself, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei met Ismail Haniyeh.
The attack on Haniyeh in Iran has also raised questions about the security of the top leaders there.
In May, Raisi also died in a helicopter crash. On the other hand, Iran's top leaders were close to Haniyeh just a few hours before the attack on him on Wednesday.
What Russia, China, Turkey said?
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said that this is a political murder. It will not be accepted. It can increase conflict in the Middle East.
China's Foreign Ministry said that we oppose Haniyeh's death. This incident can further increase tension in the area.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry said that this is a 'heinous' crime. Haniyeh's death shows that Israel's Netanyahu government does not want peace.
Iran's Foreign Ministry said that Haniyeh's murder will further strengthen the relationship between Iran and Palestine. Haniyeh's martyrdom will not go in vain.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry said, "This is a heinous crime, which can further increase tension in the area. Israel is constantly targeting civilians in Gaza, spreading chaos in the entire region."
America to support Israel
After Haniyeh's death, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that if Israel is attacked, America will help it.
When Austin was asked whether Israel had a hand in Haniyeh's murder and whether America had any information? On this, Austin said that he has no information.