1. Summary: Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh- Haniyeh who was assassinated on July 31, 2024 in Tehran, was “warned” by Qatari State Security in late June about an imminent assassination plot. This warning was conveyed by a Qatari Royal family member who hosted him in Doha. Haniyeh was informed that Israel intended to assassinate him, regardless of political or diplomatic repercussions, even if he were in Qatar. Despite reassurances of safety from the Qatari government, Haniyeh travelled to Iran, believing the threat of Iranian retaliation would deter Israel from attacking him there.
2. JaFaJ has learned from Arab Gulf sources, that Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh was already aware of an assassination plot against him. The source confirmed that the Qatari State Security agency warned Haniyeh in late June about the imminent danger.
3. According to sources, the warning was delivered to Haniyeh by a member of the Qatari Royal family. This member hosted him in Doha before his flight to Iran. Haniyeh was briefed that Israel had decided to assassinate him regardless of the political or diplomatic repercussions, even if he were in Qatar. He was assassinated on July 31, 2024.
4. Qatar, a close ally of the United States and host to about 10,000 American troops at Al-Udaid base, has provided sanctuary to Hamas leaders for over two decades. Haniyeh, believing in the security of Qatar, underestimated the potential for an Israeli assassination on Qatari soil, which would lead to a diplomatic crisis with the US. Israel still faces international criticism for the 2008 assassination of Hamas leader Al-Mabhouh in Dubai, which involved the use of fake identities and violation of another country’s sovereignty.
5. Despite reassurances from the Qatari government that he would be safe in Qatar, Haniyeh chose to visit Iran during a heightened State Of Alert, thinking Israel would avoid an attack due to the threat of Iranian retaliation. In April 2024, Iran launched an unprecedented rocket barrage on Israel, providing Haniyeh with confidence about the deterrent effect of Iran’s military response.
6. Haniyeh’s assassination marks a shift in Israel’s policy from limited targeting of Hamas leaders in host countries. This is likely the beginning of a broader strategy, not an isolated incident. In January 2024, JaFaJ reported on Israel’s decision to start targeting Hamas leaders beyond their usual geographic boundaries. [Reftel: https://www.jafaj.net/israel-to-step-up-targeted-kling-of-hamas-leaders-beyond-the-usual-borders/]