Shaheed Ismail Haniyeh: Hamas’ face of diplomacy in the Arab world

Hamas has condemned the assassination of its political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, as an escalation that will not be overlooked. The killing, which occurred in Iran, is expected to severely impact the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, which have been slowly progressing with mediation from the US, Qatar, and Egypt.

Early life and education:

Ismail Haniyeh was born in 1963 in the Shati refugee camp, situated north of Gaza City. His parents were displaced from Ashkelon, Israel, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Haniyeh attended schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and pursued higher education at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he studied Arabic literature. His involvement in student activism during his university years marked the beginning of his political engagement.

Hamas involvement:

Haniyeh's political career began in earnest during the First Palestinian Intifada (1987), the same year Hamas was founded. He joined the newly established Islamist group and became a key figure in its political operations. His early involvement saw him arrested and briefly exiled by Israeli authorities in 1992, although he returned to Gaza the following year.

Rise within Hamas:

Haniyeh's rise within Hamas was facilitated under the mentorship of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, the group's founder. By 2003, Haniyeh had become a trusted aide to Yassin, assisting him in communication despite Yassin’s severe physical limitations. Haniyeh's close association with Yassin and his support for the group's political agenda positioned him as a central figure in Hamas.

Political leadership:

In 2006, Haniyeh was appointed as the Palestinian Prime Minister following Hamas's victory in parliamentary elections. His tenure as Prime Minister was short-lived, as he was dismissed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007 after Hamas took control of Gaza. Despite this, Haniyeh's leadership continued to influence Gaza's political landscape.

From 2007 until 2017, Haniyeh led Hamas in Gaza, during which he was accused by Israel of diverting humanitarian aid to Hamas’s military wing, though these accusations were denied by the group. His leadership was also marked by efforts to broker prisoner exchanges and facilitate the release of kidnapped individuals, such as BBC correspondent Alan Johnston in 2007.

Exile and diplomatic role:

In 2017, Haniyeh transitioned from his role in Gaza to becoming the head of Hamas's political bureau. His new position required him to operate from exile in Qatar, where he became a prominent diplomatic figure for Hamas. Haniyeh engaged in international diplomacy, shuttling between Turkey, Iran, and Qatar, and working on securing ceasefire agreements. His role was crucial in maintaining communications with both hard-line figures within Gaza and international stakeholders.

Personal losses and impact:

Throughout his career, Haniyeh faced personal tragedies, including the loss of three of his sons—Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad—in an Israeli airstrike on April 10. The strike also resulted in the deaths of four of his grandchildren. Despite these personal losses, Haniyeh maintained his focus on diplomatic efforts, underscoring his commitment to the Palestinian cause.

Views and designation:

Haniyeh was seen as a relatively moderate figure within Hamas, compared to hard-line voices in Gaza. His efforts in diplomacy and his role in negotiating ceasefires were recognized by various Arab diplomats and officials. However, his leadership was also viewed critically by Israel and the United States

Legacy and death:

Haniyeh's death, reportedly occurring during a visit to Tehran, was met with condemnation from allies and international leaders. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the killing as "a cowardly act," and the Turkish foreign ministry labelled it "heinous." His death is seen as a significant escalation that could impact ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by various international actors.

Haniyeh’s career encapsulates the complex interplay of activism and political diplomacy, highlighting his role as a central figure in Hamas and a key player in the broader Middle Eastern conflict.