Iran has vowed to take "harsh punishment" against Israel, which it accuses of assassinating Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday. The attack took place in Tehran early that morning. While Israel has not directly commented on the assassination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that his country had delivered “crushing blows” to its enemies recently. This statement came after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon just hours before the incident in Tehran.
Netanyahu warned Israelis that "challenging days lie ahead," suggesting the potential for escalating conflict in the Middle East. He emphasized that Israel is "prepared for any scenario" and will "stand united and determined against any threat."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over a "dangerous escalation" in the region. The UN Security Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday evening to discuss the situation.
Hamas's armed wing responded to Haniyeh's death by stating that it would "take the battle to new dimensions" with significant consequences. This follows a recent attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. Since then, Israel has committed to destroying Hamas.
Haniyeh, who had been involved in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, was killed just hours after attending the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. According to a senior Hamas official, the assassination occurred in the same building where Haniyeh had previously stayed during visits to Iran. Three other Hamas leaders and several guards were also present in the building at the time.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, confirmed at a news conference that a missile had hit Haniyeh "directly," based on eyewitness accounts. The group's leadership has reportedly been left in "a state of shock."
In a related development, Israel claimed responsibility for killing senior Hezbollah member Fuad Shukr in Beirut, accusing him of orchestrating a rocket attack that killed 12 people in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack.
Hezbollah confirmed that Shukr's body was found in the rubble of a residential building that was struck, along with four others, including two children. A response from Hezbollah is considered likely, as the group has historically responded to the killings of its leaders with rocket fire into Israel.
The United States has updated its travel guidance, advising citizens against traveling to Lebanon due to "rising tensions." The UK Foreign Secretary has similarly urged nationals to leave the country. Additionally, several airlines have canceled flights to Beirut, and United, Delta, and British Airways are expected to suspend flights to Tel Aviv.
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