Mourners gathered in Doha to bid farewell to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was slain. The funeral saw condolences offered, with Haniyeh and his bodyguard in coffins adorned with Palestinian flags. Senior Hamas leaders paid their respects, with possible successors Al-Hayya and Mashaal present. Al-Hayya asserted that Haniyeh’s death would bring victory and liberation.
The funeral followed Israel’s confirmation of Hamas military leader Deif’s death in an airstrike. Hamas is yet to confirm the death of both Deif and Haniyeh. Supporters rallied from Morocco to Iran in solidarity with Haniyeh, denouncing his assassination. In Tehran, a parade honored Haniyeh while mourners in Beirut paid respects to the slain Hezbollah commander.
The killings were seen as a triumph for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu amid ongoing operations in Gaza since a previous Hamas attack. Internationally, efforts are being made to salvage a cease-fire deal and prevent wider conflict. President Biden urged prompt action on a cease-fire, while Hamas negotiators fear talks could be derailed by Haniyeh’s assassination.
Israeli airstrikes persist in Gaza, with recent strikes on a school in Shujaiya resulting in casualties among displaced Palestinians. Israel alleges the school was used by Hamas for planning attacks.
