Just woke up to the news that Israel have killed Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, overnight. Hasty hot take: this is a very big deal, and humiliating for Iran that an ally can be taken out on their soil. The last 10 months have been an exercise in Iranian force projection through their proxies and allies, so this will be a huge slap in the face. Their reaction will be an indicator of both capability and intent. Early reports cite “knowledgeable sources in Hamas”, who told Al-Arabi Al-Jadid newspaper: Haniyeh and his delegation of companions were staying in a guest house of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran at the time of the assassination, Islamic Jihad Secretary General Ziad Nachala was also staying at the same time in the same building, on a different floor. Also reported that the missile was fired from outside Iranian borders. Russia, Turkey and Iran are very sad about this - which might give you a further clue as to who is on what side: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We condemn the killing of Hania in Tehran. Once again it becomes clear that the Netanyahu government has no intention of reaching peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia: the elimination of Niyya is a political murder that we do not accept. This will have a negative impact on the negotiations regarding Gaza. The National Security Council in Iran: "The elimination of Hania crossed the red lines, Israel will bear a great price." Mahmoud Abbas (Fatah “President of Palestine”) condemns in an official statement: "The elimination of Haniya - a cowardly act and a dangerous development." And the Guardian are having a mad one with a somewhat extreme Overton window for the meaning of the word “moderate”…
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