The political leader of the Islamic organization Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, died in Tehran due to an Israeli airstrike, according to Hamas. There are concerns that the exchange of attacks in the Middle East may intensify further.
Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar, was the chief negotiator for Hamas. He was visiting Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president on the 30th. In a statement released early on the 31st, Hamas said that Haniyeh was killed in his Tehran residence by a “shameless airstrike by Zionists.” According to Iranian media, his bodyguard was also killed.
As a result, crude oil prices surged. As of 1:20 PM Japan time on the 31st, Brent crude was up 1.5%, nearing $80 per barrel. However, prices are still down on a weekly basis. Gold prices also rose.
The Israeli military has refrained from commenting.
Hamas revealed that its political leader died in Tehran due to an Israeli airstrike
Source: Bloomberg
After Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7 of last year, Israel had declared its intention to eliminate Hamas leaders.
This attack is expected to further escalate tensions with Iran. In April, there was a direct exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel. However, both countries took cautious measures at that time to avoid an escalation into regional war.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Pezeshkian will face difficult responses. After winning the presidential election this month, Pezeshkian and Khamenei had suggested a desire to improve relations with Western countries to ease economic sanctions against Iran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei indicated a readiness to improve diplomatic relations with the West
Hamas Said Israel Killed Its Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh
Source: Bloomberg
Haniyeh, who was in his early sixties, was a key figure in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, exchanging messages with leaders of armed groups in the Gaza Strip. His death may derail the negotiations. The United States had explained last week that although there were still many challenges to address, they were getting closer to an agreement.
Ismail Haniyeh
Photographer: Arif Hudaverdi Yaman/Anadolu/Getty Images
On the 30th, the Israeli military attacked around Beirut, Lebanon, announcing that it had killed a commander of the pro-Iran militia Hezbollah. This attack is seen as retaliation for a rocket attack on the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel, on the 27th, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people.
Israel retaliates with attacks on the Lebanese capital, announcing the killing of a Hezbollah commander
Original title: Hamas Says Israel Killed Political Leader Haniyeh in Iran (2) (excerpt)
(We will update with the latest crude oil prices and background information))