The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran according to the Palestinian militant group. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated he was targeted in his residence and investigations are ongoing. Israel has not commented on the killing. Haniyeh was a well-known figure, acting as a negotiator during ceasefire talks and maintaining relations with various Palestinian factions and Iran. He was elected head of the Hamas political bureau in 2017. Iran expressed that Haniyeh’s killing will strengthen the bond between Iran and Palestine. US defense secretary Lloyd Austin stated the US would defend Israel if attacked but did not directly address Haniyeh’s killing. The Russian deputy foreign minister condemned the political assassination as escalating tensions in the region. Several Israeli ministers celebrated Haniyeh’s death, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned it and called for unity in the face of Israeli occupation. Palestinian national and Islamic factions have called for a general strike and mass demonstrations in response to the assassination. The killing of Haniyeh comes amid escalating tensions in the region following other recent incidents. Israel has not officially commented on the killing, sparking speculation and reactions from various parties.
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