Nearly a month has passed since the world was shaken by the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, one of the fourteen resistance groups in Palestine. The most concerning aspect of this tragic event is its location—Tehran, Iran—which could have serious repercussions for Middle Eastern security, with the potential for the conflict to spiral out of control.

Israel, through its Mossad agents, has been linked to this assassination, a claim that surfaced just a day after Ismail was found dead. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied these accusations, likely aware of the severe consequences such an admission would bring. The silence from Israel only heightens the tension.

Two critical points have emerged: first, Ismail Haniyeh’s death was clearly a calculated and deliberate act, as evidenced by the explosion that killed him; second, the fact that this occurred in Tehran further complicates the situation, representing a violation of Iran’s sovereignty under international law.

This incident does not merely implicate Iran in failing to secure Ismail Haniyeh’s safety, nor does it serve as an effective provocation against Iran. Instead, it has unified the Iranian people in their resistance against Israel, as seen in the mass turnout for the funeral prayer in Tehran, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the widespread prayers held across the Islamic world, from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.

In July 2024, Israel also claimed responsibility for the death of Fuad Syukri, a senior Hezbollah commander in South Lebanon. However, Fuad’s death did not generate the same level of global or regional impact, as it was perceived as a localized conflict between Hezbollah and Israel within Hezbollah’s stronghold.

In contrast, Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination has triggered a harsh global response because he symbolized the resistance of Palestinian women and children, who have suffered immensely due to Israel’s war.

The most urgent issue here is the impact of Netanyahu’s aggressive policies on the people of Gaza, especially women and children. Since the war began last year, over 50,000 people have died, 70 percent of whom are women and children. Gaza has become a living hell, wrought by human cruelty. Netanyahu’s actions are not only destroying Gaza’s people but also the future of his own nation. Growing support for Gaza is increasingly morphing into an anti-Jewish movement, harming both Israelis and Palestinians, as their economies are ravaged. The regional impact is severe, affecting countries like Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon, while Iran’s proxies complicate matters further.

Take Egypt, for instance. Even without war, the country teeters on the brink of collapse, burdened by a paralyzed economy, rampant corruption, and overwhelming national debt. The government’s insistence on funding a new capital project valued at an astronomical $57 billion USD (892 trillion rupiahs), largely covered by the national budget, only worsens the situation. This project infringes on the people’s right to a decent life, as guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution. The wars on Egypt’s borders, between Israel and Hamas, and in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine, have deepened the humanitarian crisis. With inflation hitting an irrational 30 percent in 2023, the state can no longer control the market. A loaf of bread that once cost 25 Qirs now costs 3 Egyptian pounds—a twelve-fold increase. The once-subsidized grain that fed families now merely staves off hunger. Egypt is drowning in debt, with the IMF reporting that in 2023, Egypt’s debt exceeded 85 percent of its national income. Imagine the fate of women in Gaza, living at the heart of this conflict. They face famine not just for a day or two, but for nearly a year. They live without a state to protect them. Children, who should be welcomed into the world with joy, are instead born into cries of despair. Their lives are threatened by missiles and artillery shells, demolishing their homes and any hope of survival amidst the destruction wrought by colonial forces.

Meanwhile, national and international media focus on the display of American and allied combat troops ready to support Israel. They highlight aircraft carriers filled with stealth planes and the supposed superiority of Iranian missiles. What is the media truly after—viewer ratings, likes, shares, or subscribers?

Who Can Stop This?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, but this alone seems insufficient to halt what may be the most brutal war of this century—a war against humanity.

Israel and its allies must be held accountable for the destruction they have caused. Israel must rebuild Palestine, transfer security authority to the Palestinians, and recognize it as an independent state. They must also return Palestinian lands seized under Israeli occupation laws.

Israel’s allies, particularly the United States, must push for a two-state solution where Palestine and Israel coexist peacefully. If achieved sincerely and with a sense of humanity, Hamas must also cease its attacks, as these only deepen the suffering of Gazans.

Hamas must also be willing to compromise with other Palestinian groups to reduce internal tensions and egos.

But if a two-state solution is not reached, and there is no unity within Palestine, peace will remain an impossible dream, with each group choosing its own path.