The Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh: Why it is a Strategic Blow to Hamas

A Key Diplomatic Figure

Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader of Hamas, was killed in Iran, marking a significant blow to the Palestinian group.

Known for his tough rhetoric, Haniyeh was the face of Hamas’ international diplomacy amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Despite his hardline public stance, diplomats often viewed him as a moderate compared to other members of the Iran-backed group operating within Gaza.

Leadership and Mobility

Appointed as the head of Hamas in 2017, Haniyeh navigated between Turkey and Qatar’s capital, Doha, effectively evading the travel restrictions of the blockaded Gaza Strip.

This mobility allowed him to engage in ceasefire negotiations and maintain crucial alliances, particularly with Iran, according to Reuters.

Advocacy and Controversy

Following Hamas’ raid on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 250 hostages, Haniyeh appeared on Al Jazeera, declaring that Arab states’ normalisation agreements with Israel would not resolve the conflict. Israel’s military response has since claimed over 39,000 lives in Gaza and devastated much of the enclave, Reuters reports.

In May, the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor sought arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing alleged war crimes. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders dismissed these allegations.

Personal Loss and Public Stance

Haniyeh’s personal losses in the conflict were profound. On April 10, an Israeli airstrike killed three of his sons, Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad, along with four of his grandchildren.

Despite these tragedies, Haniyeh denied Israeli claims that his sons were Hamas fighters and emphasised the collective suffering of Palestinian families.

He stated, “All our people and all the families of Gaza residents have paid a heavy price with the blood of their children, and I am one of them.”

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Influence

Although Haniyeh publicly expressed tough sentiments, Arab diplomats and officials considered him relatively pragmatic compared to other Hamas leaders. He, along with his predecessor Khaled Meshaal, engaged in regional negotiations, including a Qatari-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel that involved exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners and increasing aid to Gaza.

Connections with Iran

Haniyeh played a crucial role in strengthening Hamas’ military capabilities by fostering ties with Iran, a known supporter of the group. During his decade-long leadership in Gaza, Israel accused his administration of diverting humanitarian aid to Hamas’ military wing, a claim Hamas denied.

Early Activism and Political Ascent

Haniyeh’s political journey began as a student activist at the Islamic University in Gaza City. He joined Hamas during the First Palestinian Intifada in 1987 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a close aide to Hamas’ founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin. Haniyeh advocated for Hamas’ political involvement, leading to his appointment as Palestinian prime minister after Hamas’ victory in the 2006 parliamentary elections.

The Enduring Legacy

Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination has removed a pivotal figure in Hamas’ diplomatic and military strategies. His death not only symbolises a significant loss for the group but also underscores the ongoing and complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As Hamas navigates the aftermath of his assassination, the regional dynamics and the future of Palestinian leadership remain uncertain.

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