Iran Issues Warning of “Harsh Punishment” for Israel after Assassination of Hamas Leader
Iran has threatened severe consequences for Israel, alleging its responsibility in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, early Wednesday morning.
In response to the strike carried out in Tehran, Israeli officials have refrained from direct commentary. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted in a recent address that Israel has successfully delivered "crushing blows" against its adversaries, highlighting the recent elimination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon just hours before the Tehran incident.
Netanyahu cautioned citizens of Israel that "challenging days lie ahead," as anxiety increases regarding a potential escalation of conflict in the Middle East. "Since the strike in Beirut, threats surround us from all directions," he stated, emphasizing Israel’s readiness for any possible scenario.
UN Secretary-General has expressed concerns over a "dangerous escalation" in regional hostilities. The UN Security Council is set to assemble for an emergency meeting to assess the unfolding situation.
In a statement, Hamas’s military wing declared that Haniyeh’s assassination would "take the battle to new dimensions" and incite significant repercussions. Following their assault on Israel on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities, Israel has pledged to dismantle the Hamas organization.
Haniyeh, prominent in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, was killed shortly after witnessing the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Reports indicate the attack occurred in the same location where Haniyeh had previously resided during visits to Iran, alongside several Hamas leaders and security personnel.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior official within Hamas, confirmed during a press conference that witnesses reported a missile struck Haniyeh "directly." Hamas’s leadership now finds itself in a "state of shock" following the assassination.
Hours before Haniyeh’s targeting, Israel confirmed the killing of a senior Hezbollah figure, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut, who is believed to have been linked to a rocket attack that resulted in 12 fatalities in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah has denied involvement in this incident.
As tensions rise, a retaliatory response from Hezbollah is highly anticipated. Historically, the Iranian-backed group has reacted to the deaths of its senior members with significant retaliatory actions, including rocket fire into Israeli territory.
In light of escalating tensions, there has been a change in travel advisories from the US, recommending citizens avoid Lebanon, while the UK has urged its nationals to evacuate the region. Additionally, numerous airlines are suspending flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv as the situation develops.
