Podcast Elke Week focuses on the murder of Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas) and Fuad Shukr (Hezbollah). Who were they, and what are the consequences of their deaths for the war with Israel?
Haniyeh played a crucial role within Hamas, especially after the October 7 attacks in Israel. The political leader determined Hamas’ strategy and had lived mainly in Qatar since 2017. His death, on Tuesday, July 30 in Tehran, could increase the pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire under Israeli conditions.
Shortly before Haniyeh, Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander involved in attacks on Israel, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut. A section of the international community, especially Islamic countries, reacted with anger and indignation to both assassinations.
Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, all of whom want to destroy the Jewish state. The killing of Haniyeh and Shukr is an example of how Israel is trying to ensure its security by eliminating key players in terrorist organizations. It also sends a message to its enemies that it can strike anywhere, even deep inside enemy territory.
What now? Sam Verbeek talks about it with Geerten Waling and EW’s foreign affairs chief Matthijs van Schie.
