Iran rejected a call by Western leaders to stand down its threat to retaliate against Israel for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh hours after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer talked to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as part of efforts to deescalate tensions in West Asia. Watch in for more details!

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Israel's military said at least 19 Palestinian militants were killed Saturday in a pre-dawn strike on a school compound in Gaza City. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas claims death toll over 100, Israel denies

Israel war: Israel faces global flak over school strike, releases video to defend action

Iran is set to carry out an order by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to “harshly punish” Israel over the assassination of a Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps deputy commander has said.

Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies

An Israeli airstrike hit two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people, Palestinian officials said, while the Israeli military said it struck a Hamas military compound embedded in the schools.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli strikes two schools and hospital in Gaza

Tensions in West Asia are at an all-time high after the deaths of Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr. Iran has warned of a retaliatory attack and there are two scenarios that are likely here- Iran could either opt for a staggered response or undertake immediate coordinated attacks with the help of its proxies. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Iran tensions: US braces for Iran's 'axis of resistance'

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed at his residence in Iran. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed vengeance on Israel. Who will replace Hamas chief? In this report we tell you what happened in Iran and decode what comes next.

Hamas chief assassination: How will Iran respond?

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will be buried in Qatar on Friday following his assassination in the Iranian capital Tehran, one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.

Haniyeh will be interred in a cemetery after funeral prayers in the city of Lusail, north of Qatar's capital Doha.

Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq called on people to pray for his soul in all mosques around the world.

"Let today, Friday, be a day of overwhelming anger denouncing the assassination crime and rejecting the genocide in the Gaza Strip," he said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-more-arms-to-israel-amid-triple-threat-of-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-746467">More US arms to Israel amid triple threat of Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah?</a>

Haniyeh was killed by a missile that hit him directly in a state guesthouse in Tehran where he was staying, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya told a news conference in the Iranian capital, quoting witnesses who were with him.

Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel of carrying out the killing and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.

The strike was one of several that have killed senior figures in Hamas or the Lebanese movement Hezbollah, fuelling concern that the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants is turning into a regional conflict stretching from the Red Sea to the Lebanon-Israel border and beyond.

In the United States, U.S. President Joe Biden said Haniyeh's killingwas not helpful to international efforts to secure a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, now in its 10th month.

"It doesn't help," Biden told reporters on Thursday, when asked if the action ruined the chances of a truce.

Qatar has been leading the peace effort along with Egypt and the United States, Israel's main ally.

WIDOW MOURNS

Haniyeh had been the face of Hamas's international diplomacy as war raged back in Gaza and had taken part in the indirect ceasefire talks.

He was seen by many diplomats as a moderate compared to the more hardline members of the Iran-backed group inside Gaza, although some Israeli commentators have said he was considered by some on the Israeli side as an obstacle to a deal.

Appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, he moved between Turkey and Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-haniyeh-was-killed-by-bomb-hidden-two-months-ago-in-tehran-guesthouse-746338">Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report</a>

In May, the International Criminal Court prosecutor's office requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed the allegations.

Iran's first vice president Mohammad Reza Aref left Tehran for Doha to attend Haniyeh's funeral after the Islamic Republic held its own ceremony on Thursday which was attended by his widow Amal Haniyeh.

"Say hello to all the martyrs of Gaza, say hello to the leaders, to all Gaza's martyrs, all the Muslims," Amal Haniyeh said as she mourned beside his coffin.

While Israel has not said it carried out the killing, it has announced that an air strike it mounted last month killed the elusive Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif in Gaza. Hamas has not confirmed or denied the death of Deif.

Hezbollah confirmed on Wednesday that its senior military commander Fuad Shukr had been killed in an Israeli strike on a building in Beirut.

Hezbollah vowed on Thursday a "definite" response to Shukr's killing, saying it had crossed red lines and that the decades-old rivalry between foes had entered a new phase.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-hamas-military-leader-deifs-death-in-airstrike-day-after-haniyehs-assassination-746225">Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination</a>

"We are looking for a real response, not a performative response, and for real opportunities. A studied response," said Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking in a televised address to mark the funeral of the slain commander.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will be buried in Qatar on Friday following his assassination in the Iranian capital Tehran, one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will be buried in Qatar on Friday following his assassination in the Iranian capital Tehran, one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages. Haniyeh will be interred in a cemetery after funeral prayers in the city of Lusail, north of Qatar's capital Doha. Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq called on people to pray for his soul in all mosques around the world. "Let today, Friday, be a day of overwhelming anger denouncing the assassination crime and rejecting the genocide in the Gaza Strip," he said in a statement. Also read: More US arms to Israel amid triple threat of Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah? Haniyeh was killed by a missile that hit him directly in a state guesthouse in Tehran where he was staying, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya told a news conference in the Iranian capital, quoting witnesses who were with him. Iran and Hamas have both accused Israel of carrying out the killing and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it. The strike was one of several that have killed senior figures in Hamas or the Lebanese movement Hezbollah, fuelling concern that the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants is turning into a regional conflict stretching from the Red Sea to the Lebanon-Israel border and beyond. In the United States, U.S. President Joe Biden said Haniyeh's killingwas not helpful to international efforts to secure a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, now in its 10th month. "It doesn't help," Biden told reporters on Thursday, when asked if the action ruined the chances of a truce. Qatar has been leading the peace effort along with Egypt and the United States, Israel's main ally. WIDOW MOURNS Haniyeh had been the face of Hamas's international diplomacy as war raged back in Gaza and had taken part in the indirect ceasefire talks. He was seen by many diplomats as a moderate compared to the more hardline members of the Iran-backed group inside Gaza, although some Israeli commentators have said he was considered by some on the Israeli side as an obstacle to a deal. Appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, he moved between Turkey and Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip. Also read: Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report In May, the International Criminal Court prosecutor's office requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed the allegations. Iran's first vice president Mohammad Reza Aref left Tehran for Doha to attend Haniyeh's funeral after the Islamic Republic held its own ceremony on Thursday which was attended by his widow Amal Haniyeh. "Say hello to all the martyrs of Gaza, say hello to the leaders, to all Gaza's martyrs, all the Muslims," Amal Haniyeh said as she mourned beside his coffin. While Israel has not said it carried out the killing, it has announced that an air strike it mounted last month killed the elusive Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif in Gaza. Hamas has not confirmed or denied the death of Deif. Hezbollah confirmed on Wednesday that its senior military commander Fuad Shukr had been killed in an Israeli strike on a building in Beirut. Hezbollah vowed on Thursday a "definite" response to Shukr's killing, saying it had crossed red lines and that the decades-old rivalry between foes had entered a new phase. Also read: Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination "We are looking for a real response, not a performative response, and for real opportunities. A studied response," said Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking in a televised address to mark the funeral of the slain commander. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Funeral for slain Hamas leader Haniyeh to be held in Qatar

Funeral processions for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an air strike in Tehran, Iran began on Thursday (Aug 1). The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will lead the prayers for Haniyeh ahead of his burial in Doha.

Khamenei said after Haniyeh's death, "it was "our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-confirms-top-commanders-assassination-faud-shukrs-body-found-in-beirut-buildings-rubble-746074">Hezbollah confirms Faud Shukr's assassination; body found in rubble in Beirut</a>

Mourning crowds carrying posters of Haniyeh and Palestinian flags gathered at Tehran University in the city centre, according to AFP.

Haniyeh's death was announced the day before by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, who said he and his bodyguard were killed in a strike on their accommodation in the Iranian capital at 2:00 am (2230 GMT) on Wednesday (July 31).&nbsp;

This occurred just hours after Israel targeted and killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a retaliatory strike on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, heightening fears of a wider regional war.

However, Israel has declined to comment on the Tehran strike.

The Hamas chief was in Tehran for the inauguration ceremony of newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (July 30).

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:307,&quot;w&quot;:620,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1996}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-faud-shukr-the-hezbollah-senior-terrorist-israel-claims-to-have-eliminated-in-beirut-745752">Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut</a>

Hamas political bureau member Musa Abu Marzuk also pledged retaliation, stating, "The assassination of leader Ismail Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not go unanswered."

The international community, however, urged de-escalation and emphasised the need to focus on securing a ceasefire in Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-leaders-vow-ismail-haniyehs-death-will-not-go-unanswered-calls-it-a-heinous-terrorist-crime-745827" target="_blank">Global community reacts to Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, Hamas vows it 'will not go unanswered'</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the strikes in Tehran and Beirut was a "dangerous escalation", now all efforts should be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that a ceasefire in Gaza was still crucial.

(With inputs from agencies)

Funeral processions for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an air strike in Tehran, Iran began on Thursday (Aug 1). The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will lead the prayers for Haniyeh ahead of his burial in Doha.

Funeral processions for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an air strike in Tehran, Iran began on Thursday (Aug 1). The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will lead the prayers for Haniyeh ahead of his burial in Doha. Khamenei said after Haniyeh's death, "it was "our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran". Also read: Hezbollah confirms Faud Shukr's assassination; body found in rubble in Beirut Mourning crowds carrying posters of Haniyeh and Palestinian flags gathered at Tehran University in the city centre, according to AFP. Haniyeh's death was announced the day before by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, who said he and his bodyguard were killed in a strike on their accommodation in the Iranian capital at 2:00 am (2230 GMT) on Wednesday (July 31). This occurred just hours after Israel targeted and killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a retaliatory strike on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, heightening fears of a wider regional war. However, Israel has declined to comment on the Tehran strike. The Hamas chief was in Tehran for the inauguration ceremony of newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (July 30). Also read | Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut Hamas political bureau member Musa Abu Marzuk also pledged retaliation, stating, "The assassination of leader Ismail Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not go unanswered." The international community, however, urged de-escalation and emphasised the need to focus on securing a ceasefire in Gaza. Also read | Global community reacts to Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, Hamas vows it 'will not go unanswered' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the strikes in Tehran and Beirut was a "dangerous escalation", now all efforts should be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that a ceasefire in Gaza was still crucial. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran holds funeral for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh

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Trump attacks racial identity of Harris | Maduro willing to show poll results

In a sign of major escalation in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered a direct assault on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, according to three officials briefed on the order. Watch in for more details!

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It has been nearly 48 hours ever since Hamas's political Chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in a strike at a building in Tehran but how the attack took place and what exactly killed him is wrapped in mystery even as several conspiracy theories have been flooding the internet.

Haniyeh Assassination: How did the attack on Hamas leader Haniyeh take place?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel warns of heavy price against aggression

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday (July 31) the United States was not involved in or made aware of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

“I’ve learned over many years, never to speculate on the impact one event may have on something else,” Blinken said in an interview with Channel News Asia during a visit to Singapore, when asked what impact the killing could have.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-supreme-leader-khamenei-orders-attack-on-israel-to-avenge-ismail-haniye-assassination-report-746146">Iran supreme leader Khamenei orders attack on Israel to avenge Ismail Haniye</a>

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyeh’s death in Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday, hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country's new president.

Blinken, who has been in Asia since late last week, said a ceasefire and the release of hostages being held in Gaza was crucial and the United States would do everything to make that happen.

Israel invites 'harsh punishment', Khamenei says

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had provided the grounds for "harsh punishment for itself" and it was Tehran's duty to avenge Haniyeh's death. Iranian forces have already made strikes directly on Israel earlier in the Gaza war.

Haniyeh's most likely successor is Khaled Meshaal, his deputy-in-exile who lives in Qatar, analysts and Hamas officials said.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer told journalists that Israel was committed to Gaza ceasefire negotiations and securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-confirms-top-commanders-assassination-faud-shukrs-body-found-in-beirut-buildings-rubble-746074">Hezbollah confirms Faud Shukr's assassination; body found in rubble in Beirut</a>

U.S. Secretary of State Antony&nbsp;Blinken, in Singapore, sidestepped a question on Haniyeh's killing, saying a ceasefire deal in Gaza was key to avoiding wider regional escalation. He told Channel News Asia that the U.S. had neither been aware of nor involved in the killing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Qatar, which along with Egypt has been brokering talks aimed at halting the fighting in Gaza, condemned Haniyeh's killing.&nbsp;

"How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on other side?" Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on X.

In Washington, Kirby said the ceasefire process had not been "completely torpedoed," adding that "we still believe the deal on the table is worth pursuing."

Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters on Oct. 7 killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and took some 250 hostages, Israeli tallies say.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-no-comments-us-claims-no-role-in-hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-745987">Israel says ‘no comments’, US claims no role in Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination</a>

Nearly 10 months of Israel's onslaught in the coastal enclave has killed more than 39,400 people, according to Gaza health officials, and left more than 2 million in a humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

While the mood was buoyant in Israel, residents in besieged Gaza feared Haniyeh's death would prolong the fighting.

"This news is scary. We feel that he was like a father to us," said Gaza resident Hachem Al-Saati.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday (July 31) the United States was not involved in or made aware of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday (July 31) the United States was not involved in or made aware of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. “I’ve learned over many years, never to speculate on the impact one event may have on something else,” Blinken said in an interview with Channel News Asia during a visit to Singapore, when asked what impact the killing could have. Also read: Iran supreme leader Khamenei orders attack on Israel to avenge Ismail Haniye Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyeh’s death in Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday, hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country's new president. Blinken, who has been in Asia since late last week, said a ceasefire and the release of hostages being held in Gaza was crucial and the United States would do everything to make that happen. Israel invites 'harsh punishment', Khamenei says Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had provided the grounds for "harsh punishment for itself" and it was Tehran's duty to avenge Haniyeh's death. Iranian forces have already made strikes directly on Israel earlier in the Gaza war. Haniyeh's most likely successor is Khaled Meshaal, his deputy-in-exile who lives in Qatar, analysts and Hamas officials said. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer told journalists that Israel was committed to Gaza ceasefire negotiations and securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza. Also read: Hezbollah confirms Faud Shukr's assassination; body found in rubble in Beirut U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Singapore, sidestepped a question on Haniyeh's killing, saying a ceasefire deal in Gaza was key to avoiding wider regional escalation. He told Channel News Asia that the U.S. had neither been aware of nor involved in the killing. Qatar, which along with Egypt has been brokering talks aimed at halting the fighting in Gaza, condemned Haniyeh's killing. "How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on other side?" Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on X. In Washington, Kirby said the ceasefire process had not been "completely torpedoed," adding that "we still believe the deal on the table is worth pursuing." Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters on Oct. 7 killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and took some 250 hostages, Israeli tallies say. Also read: Israel says ‘no comments’, US claims no role in Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination Nearly 10 months of Israel's onslaught in the coastal enclave has killed more than 39,400 people, according to Gaza health officials, and left more than 2 million in a humanitarian crisis. While the mood was buoyant in Israel, residents in besieged Gaza feared Haniyeh's death would prolong the fighting. "This news is scary. We feel that he was like a father to us," said Gaza resident Hachem Al-Saati.

US not involved in Hamas chief Haniyeh's killing, says Blinken

Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh's killing stirs fear of retaliation | Prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu

Iran’s Islamic Paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement early on July 31 that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. They added that Haniyeh's residence in Tehran was “hit” early Wednesday morning, and he was killed along with a bodyguard.

Ismail Haniyeh assassinated: Haniyeh targetted at his residence, says IRGC; confirms his death

Headlines of the hour: - Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed - Haniyeh's killing under probe - Hamas: Killing won't go unanswered - Maduro orders army patrol after protests - Harris erases Trump's swing-state lead - Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises - Bank of Japan hikes rates

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated | Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises

Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards have been killed in Tehran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the killings in a statement.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed: Iran's Supreme leader Khamenei vows revenge, warns Israel

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed: Turkey says, 'Israel aims to spread Gaza war to entire region'

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Iran vows revenge of Haniyeh's killing | Ukraine: Over 30 Russian drones destroyed

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated: Palestine President says, 'It was a cowardly assassination'

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