Haniyeh killing risks dragging US into open conflict with Iran

The assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, the highest level Hamas official killed since Israel’s war on Gaza broke out in October, was a dangerous escalation designed to draw Iran into a war, and with it, the US, analysts say.

Iran, however, is not likely to take the bait and will most likely calculate a measured response that can avoid a wider war. But its allies in the so-called "axis of resistance" may not be as easy to predict.

Israel previously pledged to kill all Hamas leaders involved in the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, but Haniyeh’s presence in Qatar as a chief negotiator for Hamas gives the strike greater repercussions.

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Supporters of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi hold picture of slain political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, during march in Baghdad to condemn his assassination, on 31 July 2024 (Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP)Supporters of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi hold picture of slain political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, during march in Baghdad to condemn his assassination, on 31 July 2024 (Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP) — Supporters of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi hold picture of slain political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, during march in Baghdad to condemn his assassination, on 31 July 2024 (Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP)