Hamas Chief Assassination: Ismail Haniyeh’s elimination by Israeli intelligence is a major development. This event could disrupt the peace process in the Middle East. Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran during the inauguration of Iranian President Mesud Pezeshkian. Israel’s targeting of Hamas leaders has been a longstanding policy. However, this is the first such killing outside Palestine since 2010.
A Pragmatic Leader
Haniyeh was seen as a pragmatic leader within Hamas. He was capable of uniting the organization’s factions. His assassination is a notable success for Israeli intelligence and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Dangerous Escalation
This assassination marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Iran has threatened revenge for Haniyeh’s killing. Israel’s actions have broken several long-standing regional security principles.
Impact on Regional Security
The fragile security in the Middle East depended on two main principles. Firstly, Arab public opinion has been a significant concern. The plight of Palestinians has been a source of anger and frustration. Arab regimes often used subsidies and radical Salafi Islamism to calm the populace. However, the ongoing Gaza war has fueled anti-American and anti-Western sentiments.
Secret Agreements
Secondly, regional security relied on secret agreements between Israel, the United States, and Gulf regimes. These agreements aimed to keep radical Islam and Iran’s influence in check. The assassination of Haniyeh and the Gaza war have undermined these agreements.
Iran vs. Gulf States
For Arab security, resolving the Palestinian crisis remains crucial. For Gulf security, Iran is seen as a bigger threat than Israeli occupation. Gulf-led initiatives for Palestine have aimed to sideline Iran and its proxies.
China-Mediated Dialogue
Recently, Iran and Gulf states have engaged in China-mediated dialogues for regional security. The assassination of Haniyeh may complicate efforts to revive the Abraham Accords. Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, may reconsider their alignment with American and Israeli plans.
Egypt’s Role
Egypt relied heavily on Hamas to maintain security between Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula. The assassination of Haniyeh is a setback for Egypt. Turkey and Egypt have been in talks about the Gaza crisis, indicating a potential shift in regional alliances.
Israel and its Western allies must worry about how regional powers will realign their interests and strategies, with Palestine at the center of new regional security.
