Palestinian militant group Hamas has called for prayers and a 'day of anger' following the assassination of its political chief Ismail Haniyeh and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Haniyeh was killed in Tehran on Tuesday night by a hidden explosive device, making him the third high-profile figure in Iran-backed militant groups to be targeted in recent weeks.
The killing of Haniyeh has heightened concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with its Iran-backed allies, could escalate into a broader Middle East confrontation, especially after Tehran vowed to retaliate for the assassination.
In a statement, Hamas urged for prayers to be held on Friday in mosques worldwide for the soul of Ismail Haniyeh, referring to him as a 'Mujahid leader.' The group also called for Friday to be a day of 'overwhelming anger' to denounce the assassination and the violence in Gaza.
Both Iran and Hamas have pointed fingers at Israel for Haniyeh's killing, although Israel has not officially confirmed nor denied any involvement in the incident.