Who Was Ismail Haniyeh?

Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of the Palestinian independence armed group Hamas, was killed in Tehran. Hamas confirmed his death, attributing it to Israel, although no group has claimed responsibility.

Biography:

Early Life: Ismail Abdel Salam Haniyeh, also known as Abu al-Abd, was born in a Palestinian refugee camp. He was a key figure in the Hamas movement and served as the tenth prime minister of the Palestinian Authority government.

Imprisonment and Exile: In 1989, Haniyeh was imprisoned by Israel for three years. Following his release, he was exiled to Marz al-Zuhur, a no-man's-land between Israel and Lebanon, where he spent a year in 1992 alongside other Hamas leaders.

Rise in Hamas: Returning to Gaza, Haniyeh became the chief of office to Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader of Hamas, in 1997. This position strengthened his influence within the movement.

Political Leadership: In the 2006 parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza, Haniyeh led Hamas to a surprising victory, becoming the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority. However, tensions with President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party led to a split in governance. Abbas dissolved the Hamas-led government in 2007, but Haniyeh continued to rule Gaza, while Fatah retained control of the West Bank.

Later Roles: On February 16, 2006, Hamas nominated Haniyeh as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, a position he officially assumed on February 20. He was dismissed by President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007 after violent clashes between Hamas and Fatah.

Since May 6, 2017, Haniyeh had been serving as the head of the political bureau of Hamas, following Khaled Meshaal. He was a prominent figure in the group's international diplomacy, known for his outspoken stance against Israeli actions.

Personal and Leadership Characteristics: Despite his tough rhetoric, Haniyeh was considered moderate by some diplomats compared to more hardline elements within Hamas. He lived in Qatar as the overall leader of the group, advocating for Palestinian independence. His leadership was marked by a call for reconciliation with Fatah, although tensions persisted.

Death: Haniyeh's death has sparked allegations and suspicions of Israeli involvement, amidst an ongoing conflict and military actions in Gaza. His passing marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between Hamas and Israel.