Iran says Hamas leader was killed by short-range projectile

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by a projectile launched from outside his temporary residence in Tehran, as reported by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The group of armed civilians stated that the explosive device weighed approximately 7kg (16lbs) and created a "powerful explosion", resulting in the death of Haniyeh and his security guard on the previous Wednesday. The leader of Hamas was in Tehran for the swearing-in ceremony of President Massoud Pezeshkian.

The IRGC claimed that Israel planned and carried out the operation, with support from the US. Israel has not issued a statement regarding Haniyeh's death.

The IRGC's version of events contradicts what has been reported in Western media, which claims that Israeli agents planted explosives in the guesthouse.

The mistakes in Haniyeh's death, particularly on a day with high security measures, have made Iran and the IRGC feel ashamed.

Many IRGC officers have been taken into custody or let go in the period following Haniyeh's passing, as stated by the New York Times over the weekend.

The article mentioned that the organization's intelligence department has assumed control of the inquiry. The employees at Haniyeh's lodging have been questioned and their mobile devices and other gadgets have been confiscated.

In the meantime, the security teams for Iranian politicians have been reorganized. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei conducted prayers for Haniyeh on Thursday, but was quickly taken away by his security team right after the service.

The IRGC made a statement on Saturday in response to a report from Britain's Daily Telegraph claiming that Haniyeh was assassinated in his room by Mossad agents from Israel using bombs.

According to Iranian authorities, two Mossad agents reportedly snuck into the guesthouse and placed explosives in three rooms. The Iranians, who had seen security camera footage of the spies, stated that the pair fled the country before setting off the bombs remotely from abroad.

The New York Times stated that Haniyeh was killed by bombs that were set off in his room. They mentioned that the explosives may have been placed there as early as two months before the incident. The BBC has not been able to confirm this information.

However, Hamas representatives informed the BBC recently that Haniyeh had previously lodged at the same accommodation. He had traveled to Iran approximately 15 times after assuming the position of head of the political bureau in 2017.

The articles' claims - if accurate - would reveal a significant setback for the IRGC, which has held authority over internal security within the nation for a long time. Analysts also mentioned that it would demonstrate how Mossad is able to act without consequences in Iran.

No matter how Haniyeh died, Iran and Hamas have promised to fight back.

The IRGC stated on Saturday that Israel would face a harsh punishment when the time is right, in the appropriate location and manner.

Hezbollah, a group in Lebanon supported by Iran, has also promised revenge. A leader of theirs, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an attack by Israel last Tuesday.

Following the death of IRGC Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus due to an Israeli operation at the start of the year, Iran retaliated by launching a total of 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and at least 110 ballistic missiles towards Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Israeli citizens that difficult times are on the horizon. He mentioned that they have received threats from various sources and assured them that they are ready for any situation.

His government officials were dismissed this weekend with satellite phones as a precaution in case of a disruption to the nation's communication system.

Even though the government issued warnings, people seemed calm and content on the beach in Tel Aviv. Sun-kissed bodies lounged comfortably under colorful umbrellas by the water.

Many people believe that the Middle East is very close to a large-scale war.

Israel is on high alert and many international airlines have stopped flying to the country.

The United States has sent more naval ships and fighter planes to the Middle East to support Israel and protect against potential aggression from Iran and its allies, according to the Department of Defense.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has cautioned that there is an increasing possibility that the conditions could quickly worsen.

At least 10 individuals have lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on a school that was housing displaced residents in Gaza's Sheikh Radwan area, according to the media office controlled by the Hamas-run government.

Israel reported that a recent airstrike in the occupied West Bank resulted in the death of a Hamas commander and four high-ranking members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group.

The Israel army stated that they bombed a car carrying men who were heading to conduct an attack.

In other places, Israeli leaders, such as the Mossad and Shin Bet directors, have traveled to Cairo for new discussions about ending the fighting.

They are going to have a meeting with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, and other high-ranking military leaders to try to save a possible peace agreement. However, President Joe Biden acknowledged on Friday that the death of Haniyeh had hurt the negotiations.

Haniyeh played a big part in talks, and Mr Biden expressed that his passing does not support the efforts to put an end to the long-standing conflict.

The conflict started in October when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the kidnapping of 251 others to Gaza.

The assault led to a large-scale military reaction from Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 39,550 Palestinians in Gaza, as reported by the health ministry controlled by Hamas in the region.