Top Iranian officials will meet with pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen on Thursday to discuss possible retaliatory measures against Israel following the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Reuters reported, citing five sources.
Earlier, The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, reportedthat Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the order to prepare a direct strike on Israel. The reason for the strike was the death of Ismail Haniyeh, for which Tehran blames Israel. Israeli authorities and the military have not commented on Haniyeh’s death, and its circumstances have not been officially reported. According to sources, his house was hit by a missile.
Ismail Haniyeh’s funeral is taking place in Tehran today, reports Nova agency. The prayer service will be led by Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tens of thousands of people attended the ceremony.
Iran has already launched a massive missile attack on Israel this year, saying it was in response to the deaths of Iranian military advisers following an Israeli strike on Syria. Almost all of the drones and missiles fired at Israel were intercepted or shot down, and there were no casualties.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated after the radical group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel responded by launching actions against Hamas in the group-controlled Gaza Strip.
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