Ismail Haniyeh, born on 29 January 1963 and passing away on 31 July 2025, served as the leader of Hamas, the governing body of the Gaza Strip since 2007. He resided primarily in Qatar from 2017 until his death in 2025.
Ismail Haniyeh Death
Iranian state media announced on July 31, 2025, that Haniyeh was killed in Tehran while participating in the inauguration of president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas stated that he died in a “Zionist” airstrike at his residence, along with one of his bodyguards.
Who was Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political leader killed in Tehran?
Ismail Haniyeh led Hamas since 2017. He played a vital role during Gaza’s war, ceasefire talks, and hostage negotiations. The Hamas leader, aged 62, reportedly died in Tehran due to an Israeli attack. His death impacts Hamas amid escalated tensions in the Middle East. Haniyeh’s demise also raises concerns about future Israel-Hamas discussions. He grew up in a Gaza City refugee camp, joined Hamas in the late 1980s during an uprising against Israel’s control, and faced imprisonment before becoming a key Hamas figure.
Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, met with the Iranian President in Tehran, Iran on July 30, 2025. In 2004, he joined a secret leadership group after Hamas founders died. Haniyeh briefly served as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority after Hamas won elections in 2006. However, he was removed from office by PA President Mahmoud Abbas after a year. Following a conflict with Fatah, Hamas took control of Gaza and faced blockades from Israel and Egypt. In 2017, Haniyeh became Hamas’s political leader, succeeding Khaled Meshaal who led Hamas in exile. A year later, the US labeled him a global terrorist due to tensions over recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Despite this label, Haniyeh traveled worldwide as Hamas’s political chief and met with global leaders.
Ceasefire and hostage release talks
Hamas attacked Israel. Many died and hostages were taken. Gaza airstrikes caused many casualties, leading to a crisis. Haniyeh negotiated for a ceasefire, asking for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel refused, vowing to defeat Hamas. Negotiations stalled, blaming each other. Haniyeh sought mediators from Qatar and Egypt to end the conflict. His death affects ongoing negotiations. He met with world leaders, discussing Gaza’s situation in March. Personal tragedies struck him; his family members were killed or arrested due to the conflict. Haniyeh stood firm on ceasefire talks despite personal losses and pressures not to yield. He resided in Qatar during this period, avoiding International Criminal Court jurisdiction.
Ismail Haniyeh Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Biography
|
Date of Birth
|
8 May 1963 (Wednesday)
|
|
Birthplace
|
Al-Shati refugee camp, Egyptian-occupied Gaza Strip
|
|
Date of Death
|
31 July 2025
|
|
Place of Death
|
Tehran, Iran
|
|
Age (at the time of death)
|
61 Years
|
|
Death Cause
|
Killed in an airstrike
|
|
Zodiac sign
|
Taurus
|
|
Nationality
|
Palestinian
|
|
Hometown
|
Egyptian-occupied Gaza Strip
|
|
College/University
|
Islamic University of Gaza
|
|
Educational Qualification
|
A Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Literature (1987)
|
|
Religion
|
Sunni Islam
|
|
Controversy
|
Detained by Israel
In 1988, he was detained by Israel and imprisoned for six months. In 1989, he was imprisoned for three years for protesting against Israel during the First Intifada.
|
Net Worth
About Ismail Haniyeh
Ismail Haniyeh is a Palestinian politician who is widely considered to be the chief political leader of Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. He is the current chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau. As of 2023, he lives in Qatar.
Born: 29 January 1962, Al-Shati Camp, Gaza
Children: Sarah Haniyeh, Hazem Haniyeh, Moath Haniyeh
Education: Islamic University of Gaza
Assassinated: July 2025, Tehran, Iran
Siblings: Laila Haniyeh, Kholidia Haniyeh, Sabah Haniyeh, Suhila Abd el‑Salam Ahmed Haniyeh
Party: Hamas
Previous office: Prime Minister of Palestine in Gaza (2013–2014)
Career
| Political Party |
Hamas |
| Political Journey |
29 March 2006 – 2 June 2014: Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority
2 June 2014 – 13 February 2017: Hamas Chief in the Gaza Strip
6 May 2017 – 31 July 2025: Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau |
Physical Stats
| Height (approx.) |
5′ 8″ (172 cm) |
| Eye Colour |
Black |
| Hair Colour |
Grey |
Full Name & Profession
| Full Name |
Ismail Abdulsalam Ahmed Haniyeh |
| Profession |
Politician |
Family
| Wife/Spouse |
Ama |
| Children |
Sons– 8
• Hazem Haniyeh (d. 10 April 2025)
• Amir Haniyeh (d. 10 April 2025)
• Mohammad Haniyeh (d. 10 April 2025)
• Moaz Haniyeh
• Abed Al-Salam Haniyeh
• Wisam Haniyeh
• Hammam Haniyeh
• A’ayed Haniyeh
Daughters– 5
• Sarah Haniyeh
• Bothayna Haniyeh
• Khawleh Haniyeh
• Latife Haniyeh
• Sana’a Haniyeh |
| Siblings |
Sisters
• Kholidia
• Laila
• Sabah
• Suhila Abd el‑Salam Ahmed Haniyeh |
Relationships
| Marital Status (at the time of death) |
Married |
Ismail Haniyeh Images
