Tensions flared at the United Nations on Tuesday, December 24, as Iran strongly condemned Israel’s admission of its involvement in the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. Describing the act as a “heinous crime,” Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani labeled Israel’s acknowledgment a “brazen admission” of responsibility for the July assassination.
“This brazen admission marks the first time the Israeli regime has openly confessed to its responsibility for this heinous crime,” Ambassador Iravani said during a heated session at the UN.
Details of the Killing
Haniyeh, a central figure in Hamas for decades, was killed in an explosion in Tehran on July 31. Iranian authorities claimed the explosive device had been planted weeks prior by Israeli operatives. Until now, Israel had neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
The assassination of Haniyeh, who held significant influence in the Gaza-based organization, followed allegations by Iran and Hamas that Israel was behind the attack. Israel’s admission marks a turning point in its traditionally ambiguous stance on such operations.
Retaliation and Escalation
In response to the killing, Iran launched over 100 missiles targeting Israel in October. Defending the strikes, Ambassador Iravani stated they were a “legitimate and legal defensive response” to Israel’s aggression.
“It also reaffirms the legitimacy and legality of Iran’s defensive response on October 1, 2024, as well as Iran’s consistent position that the occupying and terrorist regime of Israel remains the most serious threat to regional and international peace and security,” Iravani said.
Pattern of Targeted Killings
Haniyeh’s assassination is part of a series of high-profile eliminations attributed to Israel in recent months. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed on September 27, followed by Haniyeh’s successor, Yahya Sinwar, on October 7. Israel accused Sinwar of orchestrating Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.