Haniyeh’s visit to Tehran comes after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and a “lasting” truce. It was reported by IRNA that an “airborne guided projectile” was shot into the room where he was staying while he was there. Israel claims the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah carried out the strike, but Hezbollah denies the attack. Ismail, who has been a part of the worldwide-recognized terrorist group since the 1980s, was noted as a political leader who was responsible for propaganda and diplomatic relations but was not considered very powerful.

According to sources, he was described as the more moderate and sophisticated leader who lacked understanding about warfare. Netanyahu stated that Israel would respond to any harm, specifically mentioning attacks on the military chief of Hamas, the Houthis, and the military chief of Hezbollah. He emphasized that they would settle the score with anyone who harmed them and stated that he did not give in before and would not do so now. Additionally, Netanyahu made a controversial statement, drawing a comparison between the death toll equivalence and 20 911’s in one day.