NEW DELHI: Tensions are on boil between Israel and Iran days after the assassination of Hamas’ chief Ismail Haniyeh. The chief of the Palestinian terrorist group was killed in an airstrike on Wednesday morning in Iran. As per reports, the air strike was widely assumed to have been carried out by Israel though its government made no claim of responsibility and said it would make no comment on the incident.
Who was Ismail Haniyeh?
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the death of Haniyeh, who was the face of Hamas’ international diplomacy as the war triggered by the Islamist group’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year has raged in Gaza.
Haniyeh was killed around 2 am (2200 GMT) on Wednesday, Iranian media reported. He was staying at “a special residence” for war veterans in north of Tehran, the Iranian capital.
NourNews, an outlet affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Haniyeh’s residence was hit by an airborne projectile. The assassination was “a dangerous gamble to undermine Tehran’s deterrence”, it said.
Who will be Hamas’ next chief?
After the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Palestinian terrorist group is brainstorming on choosing its next chief. According to reports, while picking its next commander, Hamas may take into account of its relations with Arab nations and Tehran. Let’s take a look at possible Hamas leaders who may emerge its next leader.
Khalil al-Hayya
Khalil al-Hayya is a high-ranking Hamas official who has represented the Palestinian militant group in negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage exchange deal. He was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council on 25 January 2006 as a representative of Gaza City. He resided in the neighborhood of Shujaiyya.
Yahya Sinwar
Yahya Sinwar is a powerful and influential Hamas figure who is in the race to be the next commander of the Palestinian terror group. Sinwar is currently leading the war in Gaza.
Zaher Jabarin
One of Ismail Haniyeh’s deputies, Zaher Jabarin is also in the race to become the next Hamas chief. Jabarin is said to have good relations with Iran and is also known for having a good hand at managing the finances.
Khaled Meshaal
Khaled Meshaal is known as a powerful figure in Hamas and said to have good working relation with Haniyeh. Meshaal could also be the next chief of the Palestinian terror group.
Moussa Abu Marzouk
Moussa Abu Marzouk is one of the founding members of Hamas and member of its Politburo. Besides this, Moussa Abu Marzouk is the deputy head of the group’s ‘external’ politburo and a leading figure in reconciliation talks with Fatah.
Marzouk marked the begining of his political career in the United Arab Emirates, where he helped establish a branch of the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood.
He has also worked in United States and founded various Islamic institutions and foundations, including ones focused on the Palestinian cause. He is a founding member of the Islamic University in Gaza.
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