Ismail Haniyeh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ismail Haniyeh
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إسماعيل هنية
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Haniyeh in 2022
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| Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority | |
| In office 29 March 2006 – 2 June 2014 Disputed from 14 June 2007 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | Ahmed Qurei |
| Succeeded by | Rami Hamdallah |
| Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau | |
| In office 6 May 2017 – 31 July 2024 |
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| Deputy | Saleh al-Arouri (2017–2024) |
| Preceded by | Khaled Mashal |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Hamas Chief in the Gaza Strip | |
| In office 2 June 2014 – 13 February 2017 |
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| Leader | Khaled Mashal |
| Succeeded by | Yahya Sinwar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 January 1963 Al-Shati refugee camp, Egyptian-occupied Gaza Strip |
| Died | 31 July 2024 (aged 61) Tehran, Iran |
| Nationality | Palestinian |
| Political party | Hamas |
| Children | 13 |
| Alma mater | Islamic University of Gaza |
Ismail Haniyeh (born 29 January 1963 – died 31 July 2024) was a Palestinian political leader. He was a main figure in Hamas, a group that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. From 2017 until his death in 2024, he mostly lived in Qatar.
Haniyeh was born in 1963 in the al-Shati refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. His parents had left Ashkelon during the 1948 conflict. He earned a degree in Arabic literature from the Islamic University of Gaza in 1987. There, he became involved with Hamas, which was formed during the First Intifada (a Palestinian uprising). He was briefly imprisoned several times for taking part in protests.
After being released in 1992, he was sent to Lebanon for a year. When he returned, he became a dean at Gaza's Islamic University. Haniyeh's role in Hamas grew, and he became a key leader.
In 2006, Haniyeh led the Hamas list that won the Palestinian elections. He then became the Prime Minister of the State of Palestine. However, the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, dismissed him in 2007. Haniyeh did not accept this decision and continued to act as prime minister in the Gaza Strip. He was the leader of Hamas in Gaza until 2017.
In 2017, Haniyeh was chosen to lead Hamas's Political Bureau, replacing Khaled Mashal. He then moved to Qatar. In 2024, three of his sons and three grandchildren were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. On 31 July 2024, Haniyeh was killed during a visit to Iran.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ismail Abdulsalam Ahmed Haniyeh was born into a Muslim Palestinian family. This happened in the al-Shati refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. His parents had left Ashkelon during the 1948 conflict.
When he was young, he worked in Israel to help his family. He went to schools run by the United Nations. In 1987, he graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza with a degree in Arabic literature. While at university, he became involved with Hamas. He was also the head of the students' council from 1985 to 1986. He played as a midfielder on the Islamic Association football team.
He graduated around the time the First Intifada began. During this uprising, he joined protests against Israel.
Early Activism
Haniyeh took part in protests during the First Intifada. An Israeli military court gave him a short prison sentence. He was arrested by Israel again in 1988 and held for six months. In 1989, he was imprisoned for three years.
After his release in 1992, Israeli authorities sent him to Lebanon. He was with other Hamas leaders and activists. They stayed in Marj al-Zahour for over a year. This time helped Hamas become more known around the world. A year later, he returned to Gaza. He was then appointed as a dean at the Islamic University.
Political Career
Rising in Hamas
After Israel released Ahmed Yassin from prison in 1997, Haniyeh became his office head. His connection with Yassin helped him become more important in Hamas. He was chosen to represent Hamas to the Palestinian Authority.
His role in Hamas grew even more during the Second Intifada. This was also because many Hamas leaders were killed by Israeli forces. In December 2005, Haniyeh was chosen to lead the Hamas list. This list won the legislative elections the next month.
Becoming Prime Minister
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Haniyeh was chosen as prime minister on 16 February 2006. This happened after Hamas won the elections on 25 January 2006. He was officially presented to President Mahmoud Abbas on 20 February. He was sworn into office on 29 March 2006.
International Reactions
After the 2006 election, Israel put in place some measures against the Palestinian Authority. These included economic sanctions. The acting Prime Minister of Israel said that Israel would not send about $50 million each month to the Palestinian Authority. This money was from taxes collected by Israel for the Palestinian Authority.
Haniyeh said Hamas would not give up its weapons or recognize Israel. He felt it was wrong that Hamas was punished. He believed Israel should have reacted differently to the Palestinian people's democratic choice.
The United States asked for $50 million in aid funds for the Palestinian Authority to be returned. Haniyeh said that Western countries often use their aid to pressure the Palestinian people.
Several months after Hamas won, Haniyeh sent a letter to U.S. President George W. Bush. He asked for direct talks with his government. He also offered a long-term truce with Israel. He suggested a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The U.S. government did not reply and continued its boycott.
Disputed Dismissal
There was a growing conflict between Fatah and Hamas. On 20 October 2006, Haniyeh's car convoy came under fire in Gaza. One car was set on fire, but Haniyeh was not hurt. Hamas sources said it was not an attempt to kill him. Palestinian Authority security sources said the attackers were relatives of a Fatah member. This Fatah member had been killed in clashes with Hamas.
On 14 December 2006, Haniyeh was stopped from entering Gaza from Egypt. This happened at the Rafah Border Crossing. The border was closed by order of the Israeli Defense Minister. Haniyeh was returning from his first official trip abroad as prime minister. He was carrying money for Palestinian Authority payments.
Israeli authorities later said he could cross if he left the money in Egypt. A gun battle happened at the crossing. One bodyguard was killed, and Haniyeh's oldest son was hurt. Hamas said this was an attempt by Fatah to kill Haniyeh. This led to more fighting between Hamas and Fatah. Haniyeh asked for Palestinian unity.
Unity Government
Haniyeh stepped down on 15 February 2007. This was part of a plan to form a unity government with Fatah. He formed a new government on 18 March 2007. This new government included politicians from both Fatah and Hamas.
On 14 June 2007, during the Battle of Gaza, President Mahmoud Abbas announced the unity government was dissolved. He declared a state of emergency. Haniyeh was dismissed, and Abbas began to rule Gaza and the West Bank by presidential order.
After the Battle of Gaza
Around 2016, Haniyeh moved from Gaza to Qatar. He kept an office in Doha.
In October 2016, a committee of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) supported a request. This request was for Haniyeh's government to return to the Gaza Strip. This happened after his government resigned in June 2014. Hamas members in parliament were unhappy with how the current government was working. They felt it had gone back on agreements. However, the current government and Fatah refused the request. They said it was not legal and could cause more problems.
Head of Hamas Political Bureau
In November 2016, there were reports that Haniyeh would become the new leader of Hamas. He would replace Khaled Mashaal. Haniyeh, Mashaal, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met in Qatar. They talked about bringing different Palestinian groups together and upcoming elections. This meeting suggested Haniyeh was chosen for the top role.
In 2018, the United States added him to a list of specially designated global terrorists.
Haniyeh left Gaza in September to visit Arab and Muslim countries. This was to prepare for his new role. He officially moved to Doha, Qatar. The head of Hamas's political office is expected to live outside the Gaza Strip.
In February 2020, Haniyeh met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In August 2020, Haniyeh spoke with Mahmoud Abbas. They both rejected the agreement to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This was a rare moment of unity between them.
On 26 July 2023, Haniyeh met with Erdoğan and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Turkey was trying to help Fatah and Hamas reconcile.
Israel–Hamas War
On 7 October 2023, the day of the Hamas attack on Israel, Haniyeh was in Istanbul, Turkey. Videos from his office in Qatar showed him celebrating the attack with other Hamas officials. He publicly described it as the start of a new time in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Haniyeh gave a televised speech. He spoke about threats to Al-Aqsa mosque, the blockade of Gaza, and the difficulties of Palestinian refugees. He said that Israel could not protect itself. He also stated that agreements signed with Israel could not solve the Palestinian conflict.
On 10 October, Haniyeh said Hamas would not consider releasing any Israeli captives until the war ended. He claimed Israel's response showed how big the October 7 attack was. He added that the Palestinian people in Gaza were willing to sacrifice for their freedom. He said Israel would "pay a heavy price" for its actions.
On 15 October 2023, Haniyeh met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Doha, Qatar.
On 16 October 2023, Haniyeh and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the possibility of releasing hostages. On 21 October 2023, Haniyeh spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They talked about the latest events in the Israel–Hamas war and the situation in Gaza.
On 1 November 2023, Haniyeh accused Israel of "barbaric massacres" after an attack on the Jabalia refugee camp. He said fighting would continue until Palestinians gained their rights to freedom.
On 2 November 2023, Haniyeh stated that Hamas was ready for political talks. This would happen if Israel agreed to a ceasefire and allowed more aid into Gaza. He mentioned a "two-state solution" with Jerusalem as Palestine's capital. He also said that Israeli captives faced the same dangers as the people of Gaza.
In December, an opinion poll showed that Haniyeh would likely win against Mahmoud Abbas for President of the State of Palestine.
Legal Case
On 20 May 2024, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) requested an arrest warrant for Haniyeh. This request was also for other Palestinian and Israeli leaders. It was for alleged actions during the Israel-Hamas war.
Views
Haniyeh was seen as one of the more flexible and moderate figures within Hamas.
Relations with Israel
In August 2006, Haniyeh visited Iran as prime minister. He said, "We will never recognize the Zionist government." He added that they would continue their movement until Jerusalem was free. In December 2010, Haniyeh stated that they would accept a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. This would include Jerusalem as its capital. He also called for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a solution for refugees. He said his government would follow such a peace agreement if the Palestinian people approved it.
On 23 March 2014, Haniyeh gave a speech in Gaza. He said, "We will not recognize Israel." He also mentioned that the Gaza blockade was getting tighter.
Osama bin Laden
On 2 May 2011, Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces. Hamas's rival, Fatah, praised this action. Haniyeh, however, called bin Laden an "Arab holy warrior." He said his killing was "the continuation of American oppression." Some experts thought Haniyeh's comments were to calm differences with other groups in Gaza. Others believed he wanted to show Hamas was different from Fatah. The United States government called his remarks "outrageous."
Personal and Family Life
Haniyeh was married and had 13 children. Three of his children were killed in 2024. In 2009, his family lived in the Al-Shati refugee camp. In 2010, Haniyeh bought land in Rimal, a Gaza City neighborhood. He registered the land in his son-in-law's name. He reportedly bought more homes and registered them under his children's names.
According to a 2014 article, Haniyeh was a millionaire. This was said to come from a 20% tax on goods entering Gaza through tunnels from Egypt. Haniyeh's oldest son was arrested by Egyptian authorities at the Rafah Border Crossing. He was trying to take a large amount of money into Gaza.
Haniyeh's sisters, Kholidia, Laila, and Sabah, are Israeli citizens. They live in the Bedouin town of Tel as-Sabi in southern Israel. Kholidia's husband said their life there was normal. Laila and Sabah are both widows but stayed in Tel as-Sabi. Some of the children of the three sisters have served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In early 2012, Israeli authorities allowed Haniyeh's sister, Suhila Abd el‑Salam Ahmed Haniyeh, to travel. Her husband was very sick and needed heart treatment not available in Gaza. After successful treatment in an Israeli hospital, they returned to Gaza. Haniyeh's granddaughter was treated in an Israeli hospital in November 2013. His mother-in-law was treated in an Israeli hospital in June 2014. In October 2014, Haniyeh's daughter spent a week in an Israeli hospital. She needed emergency treatment after a medical procedure.
In September 2016, Haniyeh left Gaza with his wife and two sons. They went on the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, called the Hajj. This trip was seen as a sign that Haniyeh would become the new leader of Hamas. He also attended the funeral of Qassim Suleimani in Tehran, Iran, in 2020.
As of 2023, Haniyeh lived in Qatar.
Death
On 31 July 2024, Iranian state media reported that Haniyeh had been killed in Tehran. He was there for the inauguration of the new president-elect. Hamas stated that he was killed by a "Zionist" airstrike on his home. One of his bodyguards was also killed. He was 61 years old.
Images for kids
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Haniyeh in 2022
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Graduation ceremony of police forces in Gaza, 16 June 2012
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Haniyeh with Turkish Minister of Culture Numan Kurtulmuş, 20 November 2012
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Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal in Gaza, 8 December 2012
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Haniyeh and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in 2012
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Haniyeh praying behind Khamenei during the funeral of Qasem Soleimani
See also
In Spanish: Ismail Haniya para niños
