Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to a report by The New York Times. This decision, confirmed by three unnamed Iranian officials, including two members of the Revolutionary Guard, was made during an emergency meeting of the Supreme National Security Council earlier today.
The directive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and follows the killing of Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas deputy chief in Gaza, reported that Haniyeh was killed by a missile strike that also destroyed part of the building he was in. Al-Hayya stated, "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has prepared a harsh punishment for itself."
Haniyeh's assassination has stirred fears of further retaliation and has heightened concerns that the conflict in Gaza may expand into a broader Middle Eastern war. The Hamas leader, typically based in Qatar, had been actively involved in internationally-brokered talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. His death has sent shockwaves through the region and intensified calls for revenge against Israel.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has made no official comment on the assassination, the event is widely believed to be an Israeli operation. Netanyahu, in a televised statement, did not directly address Haniyeh's killing but emphasized Israel's readiness to respond to any aggression. "Citizens of Israel, challenging days lie ahead. We are prepared for any scenario and will stand united against any threat," he said.
This latest development seems to further diminish the prospects of an imminent ceasefire in the nearly 10-month-old conflict between Israel and Hamas. The armed wing of Hamas has vowed to escalate the battle, declaring that Haniyeh's death would have "major repercussions."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Israel has invited severe retaliation upon itself. "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has prepared a harsh punishment for itself," he said, emphasizing Iran's duty to avenge Haniyeh's death. Iran has already made direct strikes on Israel earlier in the Gaza war, showcasing its military capabilities.
The assassination of Haniyeh comes on the heels of Israel's reported killing of Hezbollah's senior military commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut. This series of targeted killings underscores the escalating tension between Israel and Iran's allies in the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while sidestepping questions about Haniyeh's killing, emphasized the importance of a ceasefire to prevent wider regional escalation. "Despite attempts led by Republican elected officials to block our efforts, we won't stop fighting to provide relief to student loan borrowers, fix the broken student loan system, and help borrowers get out from under the burden of student debt," Biden said.
The international community has reacted with concern to the recent events. Qatar, which has been mediating the ceasefire talks, condemned the assassination as a dangerous escalation. Egyptian officials echoed this sentiment, indicating that Haniyeh's killing showed a lack of political will on Israel's part to de-escalate tensions.
In Gaza, the mood was somber as residents mourned Haniyeh's death and braced for potential retaliatory actions. "This news is scary. We feel that he was like a father to us," said Gaza resident Hachem Al-Saati.
Haniyeh's assassination has also sparked speculation about his successor. Khaled Meshaal, his deputy-in-exile who resides in Qatar, is widely expected to step into the leadership role. Meshaal, known for his charisma and regional standing, narrowly survived an assassination attempt in Jordan ordered by Netanyahu in 1997.
