Ismail Haniyeh, , was a prominent Palestinian politician known as the primary political figure of Hamas, the governing body of the Gaza Strip since 2007. He served as the chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau and resided in Qatar from 2017 until his demise. Haniyeh met his end through assassination in Iran on 31 July 2024.
Early Life and Political Ascendancy of Ismail Haniyeh
Haniyeh was born in the al-Shati refugee camp in the Egyptian-occupied Gaza Strip in 8 May 1963 . He pursued his education at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he initially joined Hamas, and completed his studies with a bachelor’s degree in Arabic literature in 1987. In 1997, he was selected to lead a Hamas office, and over time, he advanced within the organization.
Political Leadership and Defiance
Haniyeh served as the head of the Hamas list that emerged victorious in the Palestinian legislative elections of 2006, subsequently assuming the role of Prime Minister of the State of Palestine. Nevertheless, on 14 June 2007, Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, relieved Haniyeh of his duties. Despite Abbas’ decision and the ongoing Fatah-Hamas conflict, Haniyeh chose to defy the decree and retained his position as the de facto Prime Minister in the Gaza Strip.
Early Life and Education of Ismail Haniyeh
Ismail Abdulsalam Ahmed Haniyeh was born in the al-Shati refugee camp in the Egyptian-occupied Gaza Strip to a Muslim Palestinian family. His parents were originally from Ashkelon before the 1948 Palestinian expulsion and flight. In his youth, he worked in Israel to support his family.
Haniyeh attended United Nations–run schools and earned a degree in Arabic literature from the Islamic University of
Gaza in 1987. It was during his time at university that he became involved with Hamas.
He also served as head of the students’ council representing the Muslim Brotherhood from 1985 to 1986 and played as a midfielder in the Islamic Association football team. His graduation coincided with the outbreak of the First Intifada, during which he participated in protests against the Israeli occupation.
Rise within Hamas
Haniyeh’s political career within Hamas began after Israel released Ahmed Yassin from prison in 1997. His close relationship with Yassin led to his appointment as the head of Yassin’s office and as the representative to the Palestinian Authority.
Despite facing challenges such as the Second Intifada and being targeted by the Israel Defense Forces, Haniyeh’s position within Hamas continued to strengthen. In 2005, he was elected to head the Hamas list and later succeeded Khaled Mashaal as the head of Hamas in 2016.
Ismail Haniyeh’s Assumption of Prime Minister Role
Haniyeh assumed the position of prime minister on 16 February 2006 after the Hamas “List of Change and Reform” won on 25 January 2006. He was officially introduced to president Mahmoud Abbas on 20 February and took the oath of office on 29 March 2006.
ICC Arrest Warrant
On the 20th of May 2024, an arrest warrant was sought by International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan for Haniyeh, along with other Palestinian and Israeli leaders. This request was made in connection to the ICC’s investigation in Palestine, focusing on multiple allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Controversy Over Pope Benedict XVI’s Comments
During the controversy surrounding Pope Benedict XVI’s comments on Islam in 2006, Haniyeh expressed strong disapproval, stating, “On behalf of the Palestinian people, we condemn the Pope’s statements regarding Islam. These comments contradict the truth and strike at the core of our faith.” He also condemned the attacks on churches in the West Bank and Gaza carried out by Palestinians.
Inaugural Foreign Visit and Stance on Israel
In August 2006, during his inaugural foreign visit as prime minister to Iran, Haniyeh declared, “We will never acknowledge the illegitimate Zionist government and will persist in our jihad-like efforts until Jerusalem is liberated.” Later, in December 2010,
he remarked at a press conference in Gaza, “We accept a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a resolution to the refugee issue.” He further indicated that if the Palestinian electorate endorses a peace agreement with Israel, his administration would adhere to it, despite previous Hamas stances on the matter.
Commemoration of Sheik Ahmad Yassin‘s Assassination
On 23 March 2014, during a celebration marking the tenth anniversary of Sheik Ahmad Yassin’s assassination, Haniyeh addressed a gathering of Hamas supporters, asserting, “From Gaza, I reiterate: We will not recognize Israel… The blockade on Gaza is regrettably becoming increasingly severe.” During this address, the audience chanted, “Advance, Hamas, advance! We are the cannon, and you are the bullets. … Oh Qassam, our beloved, strike Tel Aviv.”
Ismail Haniyeh’s Remarks on Osama bin Laden’s Death
Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces on 2 May 2011. His killing was praised by Hamas’s rival Fatah. Haniyeh referred to bin Laden as an “Arab holy warrior” and condemned his killing as “the continuation of the American oppression and shedding of blood of Muslims and Arabs.
” Political analysts said the remarks were an attempt to cool differences in the Gaza Strip with Al-Qaeda-inspired Salafi groups, which condemn Hamas as too moderate. Another analyst wrote that Haniyeh’s statement was directed at an Arab audience, and he saw an opportunity to distinguish Hamas from Fatah and exploit anti-American sentiment. The United States government condemned his remarks as “outrageous.”
Personal and Family Life of Ismail Haniyeh
Haniyeh had 13 children, three of whom were killed in 2024. In 2009, the family lived in Al-Shati refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. In 2010, Haniyeh purchased a 2,500-square-metre (0.6-acre) parcel of land in Rimal, a Gaza City beachfront neighborhood.
Haniyeh registered the land in the name of his son-in-law. Subsequently, Haniyeh reportedly purchased additional homes and registered them under the names of his children.
According to a 2014 Ynet article, Haniyeh was a millionaire, stemming from the 20% tax charged on all items entering through tunnels from Egypt to the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh’s eldest son was arrested by Egyptian authorities at the Rafah Border Crossing with several million dollars, which he intended to take into Gaza.
Haniyeh’s Sisters in Israel
Haniyeh’s sisters, Kholidia, Laila, and Sabah, are Israeli citizens residing in the Bedouin town of Tel as-Sabi in southern Israel. Kholidia was the first to move to Tel as-Sabi, followed by her two sisters. Kholidia’s husband expressed that their life in the town is normal and they wish for it to continue. Despite being widowed, both Laila and Sabah remain in Tel as-Sabi, likely to maintain their Israeli citizenship. Some of the children of the three sisters have served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Travel for Medical Treatment for Ismail Haniyeh’s sister’s treatment
In early 2012, Israeli authorities approved a travel request for Haniyeh’s sister, Suhila Abd el‑Salam Ahmed Haniyeh, and her critically ill husband to receive emergency heart treatment not available in Gaza. Following successful treatment at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel, the couple returned to Gaza.
Haniyeh’s granddaughter received medical treatment in an Israeli hospital in November 2013, while his mother-in-law was treated in an Israeli hospital in June 2014. In October 2014, a few months after the 2014 Israel–Gaza War, Haniyeh’s daughter spent a week in an Israeli hospital in Tel Aviv for emergency treatment due to complications from a routine procedure.
Hajj Pilgrimage and Political Ambitions
In September 2016, Haniyeh embarked on the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, with his wife and two sons. This journey, seen as the start of a campaign, fueled speculation that Haniyeh was to succeed Mashaal. He attended Qassim Suleimani’s funeral in Tehran, Iran in 2020.
Hamas attack on Israel
On October 7, 2023, during the Hamas attack on Israel, Haniyeh was located in Istanbul, Turkey. Video footage from his office in Doha, Qatar,
This was Hamas chief Haniyeh’s reaction to the Hamas massacre on October 7.
He’s not celebrating anymore. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/xYsPsSNHZ3
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) July 31, 2024
depicted Haniyeh celebrating the October 7 attack on Israel alongside other Hamas officials, followed by prayers and expressions of gratitude towards God.
As reported by the Telegraph, Haniyeh emerged as the prominent figure associated with the attack, publicly heralding it as the commencement of a new chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a televised speech, Haniyeh highlighted the threats to Al-Aqsa mosque, the Israeli blockade of Gaza, and the ongoing struggles of Palestinian refugees.
He questioned the international community, stating, “How many times have we warned you about the plight of Palestinian refugees who have been living in camps for 75 years, yet you continue to disregard their rights?” Haniyeh further emphasized that Israel, unable to defend itself against resistance, could not guarantee protection for other Arab nations, and that the normalization agreements signed with Israel would not resolve the Palestinian conflict.
On October 10, Haniyeh emphasized that Hamas would not entertain the idea of releasing any Israeli captives until the conflict came to an end. He highlighted that Israel’s retaliatory actions were a direct result of the impact of the October 7 attack, underscoring the unwavering determination of the Palestinian people in Gaza to make sacrifices for their freedom and dignity. Haniyeh also warned that Israel would face severe consequences for their actions against the people of Palestine.
#BREAKING: Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has been eliminated. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/jGTheFQtNF
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) July 31, 2024
On October 15, 2023, reports from the Times of Israel suggested that Haniyeh had been asked to leave Turkey in a polite manner; however, these claims were officially refuted by Turkey. Subsequently, Haniyeh held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Doha, Qatar.
On October 16, 2023, Haniyeh engaged in talks with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the potential release of hostages taken during the Hamas attack on Israel. Later, on October 21, 2023, Haniyeh conversed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Gaza.
By November 1, 2023, Haniyeh condemned Israel for what he described as “barbaric massacres against unarmed civilians” following an attack on the Jabalia refugee camp targeting a senior Hamas member. He reiterated the commitment to continue the fight until Palestinians achieve their legitimate rights to freedom, independence, and return.
On November 2, 2023, Haniyeh expressed readiness for political negotiations towards a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine if Israel agreed to a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors for aid delivery to Gaza. He stressed the importance of addressing the plight of Israeli captives in parallel with the suffering of the Palestinian people.
A poll conducted on December 13 indicated that Haniyeh would overwhelmingly defeat incumbent Mahmoud Abbas in a presidential election for the State of Palestine, with 78% of the vote in favor of Haniyeh and 16% for Abbas.
Residency in Qatar
By 2023, Haniyeh had taken up residence in Qatar.
Ismail Haniyeh’s Family Losses Due to Airstrikes
In October 2023, fourteen members of his family died in an Israeli airstrike on his family home in Gaza City, including a brother and nephew.
In November 2023, his granddaughter was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. Later that month, his eldest grandson was killed in an Israeli strike.
Three of his sons and three grandchildren were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on 10 April 2024.
On 25 June 2024, ten members of his family, including his 80-year old sister, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in al-Shati refugee camp.
Death of Ismail Haniyeh
Main article: Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh
On 31 July 2024, Iranian state media reported that Haniyeh had been assassinated in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas said that he was killed by a “Zionist” airstrike on his residence along with one of his bodyguards.
Ismail Haniyeh was killed , as reported by the Palestinian terror group on Wednesday. They labeled the attack as a “severe escalation” that would not achieve its objectives. The death of Haniyeh was also confirmed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, shortly after he participated in the swearing-in ceremony for the new president of the country, Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Guard Corps mentioned that they were conducting an investigation. This incident marked the second high-profile assassination linked to Israel within a short period, following an airstrike in Beirut that resulted in the death of Hezbollah’s top military leader. Israeli authorities did not provide an immediate response to the Tehran attack.
Israel had previously made a commitment to eliminate Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders following the group’s destructive attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the death of 1,200 individuals and the taking of 251 hostages. Haniyeh, who is usually based in Qatar, has been the prominent figure in the Palestinian terror group’s international relations amidst the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip triggered by the attack.
Three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, making him the highest-ranking Hamas official to be killed since the conflict began.
Sepah referenced a statement from the IRGC indicating that the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s political office, was targeted in Tehran, resulting in the deaths of both Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards. The Guards noted that the specifics surrounding the incident remain unclear and are currently under investigation.
According to a source who spoke to Reuters, a meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, attended by high-ranking Guards officials, was convened to deliberate on the assassination. This gathering aimed to formulate Iran’s response strategy regarding the attack on Haniyeh, as per the source’s information.
Iranian state media reported a statement from the Foreign Ministry asserting that “the martyrdom of Haniyeh in Tehran will reinforce the profound and indestructible connection between Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance.”
Haniyeh traveled to Tehran on Tuesday to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian at the parliament building.
Ismail Haniyeh last night, hours before meeting with Iran’s former president Ebrahim Raisi and IRGC officer Qasem Soleimani. pic.twitter.com/6qLlpQfTCh
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) July 31, 2024
During his visit, he held meetings with both Pezeshkian and Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Recent Losses and Final Statements ofIsmail Haniyeh
In April, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza resulted in the deaths of three of Haniyeh’s sons and four of his grandchildren. During an interview with Al Jazeera at that time, Haniyeh stated that these killings would not sway Hamas to ease its stance in the ongoing ceasefire talks with Israel. This incident followed a rare Israeli strike in Beirut, which reportedly killed Fuad Shukr, identified as Hezbollah’s military commander.
Hezbollah has not confirmed his death, but the strike also resulted in the deaths of at least one woman and two children, injuring many others. The attack occurred amid rising tensions with the Lebanese group, which has been conducting frequent cross-border assaults, claiming they are in support of Gaza.
Israel stated that the strike on Shukr was a response to a rocket attack that killed 12 children at a soccer field in the Golan Heights earlier that week. The US also holds Shukr responsible for orchestrating the deadly 1983 Marine bombing in Beirut.
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