The Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, sparking outrage from Iran and its allies in the Axis of Resistance. The attack, believed to be carried out by Israel, led to calls for retaliation and threats of harsh punishment. The assassination disrupted negotiations to end the Gaza war and free Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Haniyeh’s background and ties to Iran, as well as the history of Hamas and its relations with different countries, underscore the complexities and tensions in the region.