Explained: Who was Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political chief killed in Iran?

A protege of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, Haniyeh was a key figure in the group’s international diplomacy

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh arriving at the Iranian parliament to attend the swearing-in ceremony of newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Picture: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi.

Hamas has described the killing of its political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, as a grave escalation that will not go unanswered. His assassination in Iran will be perceived as a serious blow to efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, as talks mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt stagger forward after months of negotiations.

Haniyeh had long served as the head of Hamas’ politburo, and was seen as a moderate figure within the movement, one whose role had become vital in sustained diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.