Israel Returns Fire After Deadly Rocket From Lebanon Hits Soccer Field
New York TimesJul 21
Hamas Says Top Political Leader Haniyeh Killed in Iran
Above: Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, attends a meeting with Iranian Pres. Masoud Pezeshkian, on July 30, 2024 in Tehran, Iran. Image copyright: Handout/ Iranian Presidency/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli strike in Iran's capital, Tehran, the Palestinian militant group claimed in a statement on Wednesday. Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran's Pres. Masoud Pezeshkian.
Haniyeh was reportedly killed along with one of his bodyguards when an "airborne guided projectile" struck a special residence for military veterans in Northern Tehran at about 2 am local time. Israel hasn't yet commented on Haniyeh's death.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Haniyeh and Shukr's deaths are significant blows to Iran's axis of terrorist groups, who seem to confuse cause and effect in their furious talk of escalation and retaliation, for it was Hamas that viciously attacked Israel on Oct. 7 — sparking a spiral of violence. Tel Aviv's operation shows that the terrorists shouldn't underestimate Israel, and only if Israelis show strength will there finally be peace.
Anti-Israel narrative
Haniyeh's cowardly killing and the repeated violation of Iran's territorial sovereignty is the Israeli regime's latest attempt to escalate and expand the conflict. The vicious attack wouldn't have been possible without the blessing of the US, which covers every Israeli crime. However, the Axis of Resistance will continue its struggle with greater resolve than ever and is fully prepared for all-out confrontation.