Israel says ‘no comments’, US claims no role in Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, was killed on July 31 in Tehran in a raid that Iran has accused Israel of carrying out, pushing West Asia further on edge amid the raging war in Gaza.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is currently investigating the attack that killed the 62-year-old Haniyeh whowas in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president, Masud Pezeshkian, on July 30.

Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union, confirmed Haniyeh’s death via its Telegram channel, stating he was killed in an "air strike on his residence in Tehran".

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An Israeli government spokesperson declined to comment on Haniyeh's death.

"We are not commenting on that particular incident," spokesperson David Mencer told a briefing with journalists.

Earlier in the day, a photo of Haniyeh with the word "Eliminated" stamped on his forehead appeared on the Government Press Office's Facebook page before being deleted without explanation. The post did not explicitly claim responsibility but mentioned Haniyeh was "killed in a precise strike in Tehran."

Haniyeh's death and larger conflict in West Asia

Haniyeh's death coincides with a US military strike in Iraq as tensions in the region remain heightened amid deepening concerns about a potential all-out war in West Asia. The US strike targeted a base south of Baghdad used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, killing four members and wounding four others. Washington described the strike as an act of self-defence.

In a statement less than 24 hours after his inauguration, President Pezeshkian asserted that Iran "will defend its territorial integrity" following the attack. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also vowed revenge against Israel.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned Haniyeh's killing, calling it a “cowardly act and dangerous development,” according to the Palestinian state news agency WAFA.

Several countries have denounced the attack. Russia labeled it an "unacceptable political assassination," while Turkey warned it could escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The assassination of Haniyeh comes as the United States pushes for a temporary ceasefire and a deal to release hostages held in Gaza. Senior officials from the US, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt are engaged in talks to secure such a deal.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington was "not aware of or involved in" Haniyeh’s assassination and refrained from speculating on its regional impact.

Earlier on July 30, Israel announced it had "eliminated" Fuad Shukr, a Hizbollah militant commander allegedly behind a recent rocket attack at Golan Heights, in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed Shukr directed Hizbollah attacks but received no immediate response from the group.

Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas leaders following the group's October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 hostages, some of whom have since been released.

Haniyeh, who became Hamas's political chief in 2017, was living in exile in Qatar since 2019. He was a prominent figure during the recent Gaza conflict, shuttling between countries in West Asia to participate in international negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies)