Hamas Leader Haniyeh Laid to Rest in Qatar Amid Promises of Revenge Against Israel
In a deeply symbolic and emotional ceremony, the funeral of assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was held in Qatar on Friday, following his death two days ago in Tehran. The large mosque just north of Doha, which hosted the service, was filled with mourners, including senior Hamas officials and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
Haniyeh, who was targeted by a missile strike while staying in a state guesthouse in Tehran, was a prominent figure in Hamas’s international diplomacy efforts. His body, along with that of his bodyguard killed in the same attack, was honored with Palestinian flags draped over their coffins as they were carried past hundreds of supporters.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri delivered a stark warning to Israel during the funeral, stating, “The blood of Haniyeh will change all equations.” This sentiment underscores the heightened tensions and the potential for increased violence as Hamas and Iran have both vowed to retaliate against Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the killing.
The assassination of Haniyeh is part of a series of targeted attacks on senior figures in Hamas and Hezbollah, raising fears that the ongoing conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader regional war. Despite these concerns, U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed that such actions are detrimental to peace efforts, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.
In the midst of mourning, Haniyeh’s widow, Amal, delivered a heartfelt message at a separate funeral held in Iran, paying tribute to the martyrs of Gaza and urging continued resistance. The loss of Haniyeh, a leader considered by some as a moderate voice within Hamas, adds another layer of uncertainty to the fragile dynamics in the region.
Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq called for global prayers in Haniyeh’s honor, marking Friday as a day of anger and condemnation against what they describe as genocide in Gaza. The call for international solidarity echoes the widespread unrest and the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.
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Hamas Leader Haniyeh Laid to Rest in Qatar Amid Promises of Revenge Against Israel