Iran issues order to attack Israel after the assassination of Haniyeh

They order an attack on Israel.

Iran reacts to the assassination of Haniyeh.

Netanyahu promises strong retaliation.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct attack on Israel in response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Three Iranian officials confirmed the order, issued at an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to New York Times.

On his official website, Khamenei said it was “our duty” to avenge Haniyeh’s death, calling Israel’s action deserving of “harsh punishment.”

The assassination of Haniyeh, carried out in an airstrike in the Iranian capital, was attributed by Iran and Hamas to Israel, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

ISRAEL BROKE THE SILENCE

Iran orders attack on Israel AP PHOTO

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “make a heavy price be paid for any aggression,” though he did not directly mention Haniyeh’s killing.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president when he was attacked, according to AP.

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His death has sparked a wave of tensions, with the risk of triggering a direct conflict between Iran and Israel.

The incident comes after months of Israeli offensives in Gaza, in which more than 39,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Strip’s Ministry of Health.

THIS IS WHAT HANIYEH DID HOURS BEFORE HIS DEATH

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Hours before his death, Haniyeh was seen at the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

An Israeli airstrike later hit Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran, killing him and one of his bodyguards.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has vowed a «harsh and painful response» to Israel for the move.

Meanwhile, White House Homeland Security spokesman John Kirby has said there is no sign of an imminent escalation in the Middle East and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is still possible.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was not aware of or involved in Haniyeh’s killing.

The UN Security Council has called an emergency session to discuss the attacks.

A Western diplomat has warned that recent attacks have «almost killed» hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza, raising the risk of a devastating regional war.

In response, Hamas said Haniyeh’s death «brings the battle to new dimensions» and will have major repercussions across the region.

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