Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran at the age of 62 in what the Palestinian group has called “a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence.” Haniyeh, who served as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority’s government, was assassinated along with a bodyguard during Israel’s war on Gaza. He was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

As a major figure in the Palestinian liberation movement, Haniyeh had long been a target for Israel. Born in the Shati refugee camp, he became a leading voice in Hamas, enduring imprisonments and exile before returning to Gaza. He survived multiple assassination attempts, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

Haniyeh's influence grew as he took on leadership roles in Hamas and later as the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, facing challenges from Western governments and internal Palestinian tensions. His commitment to Palestinian liberation led him to engagements in diplomatic efforts and negotiations, making him a respected figure among various factions.

Despite personal tragedies and the loss of family members to Israeli attacks, Haniyeh remained steadfast in his dedication to the Palestinian cause. His assassination adds to the string of killings of Hamas leaders but underscores the enduring spirit of Palestinian resistance against oppressive forces.