• Hamas leader’s funeral draws crowds in Iran
• Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led the prayers before Haniyeh’s body was transported to Qatar for burial
• US media reports indicate that Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered a direct response against Israel
• Netanyahu warned of challenging days ahead, emphasising Israel’s readiness for any scenario

Hamas leader’s funeral draws crowds in Iran

Thousands gathered in Tehran for the funeral of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, who was killed in a strike on Wednesday. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led the prayers before Haniyeh’s body was transported to Qatar for burial.

While Israel has not directly commented on the assassination, Iranian officials allege that the attack was carried out by Israel. US media reports indicate that Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered a direct response against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, without addressing the assassination specifically, mentioned recent “crushing blows” delivered to enemies, including the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon.

Netanyahu warned of challenging days ahead, emphasising Israel’s readiness for any scenario amid rising tensions in the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over a “dangerous escalation” of hostilities.

Hamas’s armed wing has vowed that Haniyeh’s death will “take the battle to new dimensions,” indicating possible major repercussions.