Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau and a former Palestinian prime minister, was assassinated in an Israeli strike in Tehran. Haniyeh, born in Gaza's Al-Shati refugee camp in 1963, had been a prominent figure in Hamas since its inception in 1987, known for being a pragmatic negotiator compared to more hardline elements within the group. His leadership included efforts in international diplomacy and ceasefire negotiations, though he faced significant challenges, particularly following the devastating Israeli airstrikes that killed several family members, including three of his sons. Despite being viewed as a moderate, Haniyeh was implicated by Israel as responsible for the October 7 Hamas attack that escalated conflict in Gaza. His assassination marks a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities, with Israeli officials vowing to pursue Hamas leaders. Haniyeh's death represents the first major Israeli operation since the onset of renewed conflict in October 2023.