Hamas Leader Haniyeh Killed; What Next For India

Overview

One of the senior-most leader and the political chief of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in the Iranian capital Tehran, early on Wednesday. Hamas has blamed Israel for the attack and has vowed revenge. Israel is yet to take responsibility for the attack, though it did take for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon yesterday. Amidst several reactions from different countries and leaders, India is yet to release an official statement.

The former Prime Minister of Palestine and Hamas leader, Haniyeh, was on Israel’s radar since the terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023. The news of the assassination through an air strike on his residence came in hours after he had attended the swearing ceremony of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran.

About The War With Hamas

Hamas led Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7th October, 2023 which led to the death of around 1200 people and of almost 250 people taken hostage. Following this, Israeli forces invaded Gaza and have killed almost 39,000 people since then. Haniyeh strongly advocated against releasing any Israeli hostages until the war was over. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has continued since 1979 when the revolution in Iran took place. 

Global Reactions 

The loss of life and property in Gaza Strip and West Bank has called for global reactions from world leaders. The killing of the Hamas leader has has angered Iran and has made the militant groups to spit out revengeful statements. Countries such as Turkey, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Egypt, Germany have called upon against Israel. Social media has played its role in highlighting the support for people in Gaza. The war has led to an economic drain for Israel where Prime Minister Natanyahu has had to save his face amidst international court orders and domestic humiliation.

India-Israel Relations

India has had close relations with Israel and both are considered to be big trade partners. in the beginning, relations with Israel was informal and distant. India officially recognized Israel in September, 1950. Israel opened its first consulate in Mumbai in 1953. However, India opened its Embassy in Tel Aviv in 1993. The first Israeli President to visit India was Ezer Weizman in 1997.

Israel has been India’s partner in defence, intelligence, signing MoUs, education, technology, culture, tourism, employment and economic cooperation.  Since the war with Hamas in 2023, India has voiced its support for Israel under its policy of conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. The two countries have a shared vision against terrorism which include the violent activities conducted by Hamas.

India-Palestine Relations

India became the first non-Arab country to have recognized the Palestinian Liberation Organisation’s right to rule over Palestine. Full diplomatic relations were set up in 1980 and Palestinian statehood was recognized in 1988. India has supported the Palestinian cause for statehood and has shared an understanding due to its common history of colonialism.  Both are trade partners and enjoy a cordial relationship. 

What Next?

The killing of the Hamas leader has led India to balance its position carefully. With the flourishing trade and the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor on the table, New Delhi cannot afford to upset the Arab world. India has balanced its relations with both the nations. Relations with Israel has strengthened since 2017. On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi was the first PM to have visited Palestine in 2018.

India’s close friends such as Russia and UAE have sided towards Palestine. The US, who has always spoken in support of Israel, has denied any involvement in the assassination. Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has been vocal about the occupation of the Gazan land by Israel. 

This concerns India to a great extent since it involves targeted killing on a foreign soil. Peace and stability in the region should be the priority for India. As nations get divided amidst the ongoing wars, the world looks up to India for a balance of sides.