Muthomi Ireri
Ismail Haniyeh is a prominent political leader of Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist organization. Haniyeh has served as the head of the Hamas political bureau, which is the highest decision-making body within the organization. He has been a key figure in Hamas’s governance and political strategy, especially in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas has maintained control since 2007 following a conflict with the Fatah faction of the Palestinian Authority. Haniyeh is known for his role in Hamas’s political and military activities, as well as his involvement in negotiations and interactions with other Palestinian factions and international entities.
Born in 1963 in Gaza’s Shati refugee camp, Ismail Haniyeh is a key figure in Hamas with a turbulent political journey. He joined Hamas during the Palestinian intifada in 1987 and faced multiple detentions by Israel. After his exile in 1992, Haniyeh returned to Gaza the following year and became a close advisor to Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.
In 2006, following Hamas’ victory in the parliamentary elections, Haniyeh served as the Palestinian prime minister but was ousted in 2007. Israel has accused him of supporting Hamas’ military wing and directing aid to them. Haniyeh has been pivotal in bolstering Hamas’ military capabilities with Iranian support.
In 2017, Yehia Sinwar succeeded him as the primary authority figure in Hamas. The US State Department labeled Haniyeh a terrorist in 2018 due to his backing of armed conflict and involvement with Hamas.
On April 10, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza claimed the lives of Haniyeh’s three sons and four grandchildren. Despite this personal tragedy, he remained resolute in his stance that Hamas’ demands for a lasting ceasefire and the repatriation of displaced Palestinians would not change.
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