Mourners gathered in Doha on Friday to hold funeral prayers for slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as Iran and its regional allies vowed to retaliate against Israel. The bodies of Haniyeh and his bodyguard were placed in coffins draped with Palestinian flags as men knelt and prayed. Senior leaders of Hamas' Qatar-based political office paid their respects to Haniyeh's family, including possible successors Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal.
Al-Hayya expressed that Haniyeh's blood would bring victory, dignity, and liberation. The funeral followed Israel's confirmation of the killing of Hamas' military wing head, Mohammed Deif, and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur. Hamas has not yet commented on Deif's death but claims Israel was responsible for Haniyeh's killing in Tehran.
Support for Haniyeh was evident from Morocco to Iran, with demonstrations denouncing the assassination. In Tehran, supporters paraded as Haniyeh's coffin was carried through the city, while mourners in Beirut paid respects to the slain Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, promised a well-studied retaliation against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu saw the killings as a victory, potentially aiding his war strategy domestically. Internationally, the assassinations complicated cease-fire negotiations. U.S. President Joe Biden urged swift action on a cease-fire deal, emphasizing the importance of peace talks.
However, the assassination of Haniyeh, a key negotiator, could disrupt months of cease-fire discussions. Turkey's Foreign Ministry criticized Israel's actions, stating that peace cannot be achieved through violence against negotiators and diplomats.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza persist, with a recent strike on a school in Shujaiya resulting in casualties. Israel's military alleged that Hamas fighters used the compound for planning attacks against Israel.
