Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was reported killed in Tehran on Wednesday, according to statements from both the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Hamas claimed Haniyeh died in a “treacherous Zionist raid” on his residence.

Haniyeh had been in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Revolutionary Guards confirmed that Haniyeh’s home was attacked early in the morning, resulting in his death and that of one bodyguard.

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They stated that the cause of the attack is under investigation, with results expected to be announced later. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps extended condolences to Palestinians, the Muslim community, resistance fighters, and the Iranian people for the loss of the senior Palestinian leader.

White House has acknowledged the reports regarding Ismail Haniyeh’s death

The White House has acknowledged receiving reports about Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s death in Iran, but a spokesperson declined to offer further comment at this time.

Who is Ismail Haniyeh?

Ismail Haniyeh (January 29, 1962 – July 31, 2024) was a prominent Palestinian political figure and the chief leader of Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. He served as the chairman of Hamas’s Political Bureau and lived in Qatar from 2023 until his death.

Born in the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, Haniyeh pursued higher education at the Islamic University of Gaza, graduating in Arabic literature in 1987. He became involved with Hamas during his studies and rose through its ranks.

In 2006, he led Hamas to victory in the Palestinian legislative elections and was appointed Prime Minister of the State of Palestine. However, he was dismissed from office by President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007, but continued to govern the Gaza Strip.

Haniyeh was elected chairman of Hamas’s Political Bureau in 2017 and was killed in Iran on July 31, 2024, according to Iranian media.