Killing of high-profile Hamas leader, why is it being considered a decisive moment in the Israel-Hamas war, what will be the impact on India?

Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniya has been killed. The Israeli army is also claiming the death of the terrorist organization’s military chief Mohammad Daif. Of the three top Hamas leaders, only Yahya Sinwar is left. This makes it seem that Israel has taken revenge for the attack on its citizens on 7 October. However, it is also possible that countries supporting Palestine from afar may themselves join the war. In such a situation, even the far-off US, including India, will not remain untouched by its impact.

Why is the matter getting escalated

The entire building in Tehran where Ismail Haniyeh was staying during the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President was blown up in an airstrike. Since then, the entire Middle East, including Palestine, is worried. Especially Iran, where the attack took place. Such news and statements are constantly coming from there that Iran will not let the killing of the Hamas leader go in vain. It will take revenge from Israel.

The murder that took place amidst tight security in Tehran makes it clear that Israel is very powerful and it is not easy to confront it. Even after this, the apprehension is growing that the Middle East is standing on the brink of a big war. If the war escalates, it will not be limited to that place, but the heat can reach the world including Delhi.

Know what is the meaning of these high-profile murders.

These leaders were talking about the hostages

Hamas is considering Haniyya’s murder as a provocative action because Haniyya was the chief of the Qatar-based political bureau. He was the moderate face of Hamas, who used to convey its message to the whole world. He was the one who was negotiating on the hostages and ceasefire conditions. Hamas will not let his visit to Iran on an important occasion and his murder in an airstrike go in vain. At least such statements are coming from there.

The place of murder is also a big deal

The attack took place in Tehran, the capital of Iran. This country has been seen as the protector of Hamas. In such a situation, Haniya being killed there is also sending a message that the ideology called Hamas is no longer safe even under the Iranian umbrella. In April this year, there has been a rift between Iran and Israel. Now with this murder, there is a possibility of a more aggressive phase of the war starting.

It will also have an impact on the newly elected Iranian president

Along with Hamas, there is a demand within Iran to take revenge for Haniya’s death from Israel. This will put pressure on Iran’s recently appointed President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian’s image is that of a liberal leader. In such a situation, there may be instability within Iran as well. Let us tell you that Pezeshkian has been constantly talking about good economic relations with Europe and America, but he may have to change this decision under pressure from the fundamentalists.

Israeli PM’s image strengthened

This murder can prove to be a lifeline for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Actually, Netanyahu’s image was getting weaker since the incident of 7 October and hundreds of Israeli citizens being taken hostage by Hamas. It was believed that he was not that effective in saving his country and his people. But after this incident, his image has once again become stronger.

America will not remain untouched either

There are presidential elections in the US in a few months. Kamala Harris has replaced Joe Biden as the Democrats candidate. She has always been tough on Israel and Netanyahu. But now, while contesting for the post of President, her strategy may change. Actually, there is a large section among the American youth that supports Israel.

It is also true that people from Muslim-majority countries including the Middle East have become a big vote bank in America, whose hearts are directly connected to Hamas. Whereas Republican candidate Donald Trump openly sided with Israel. Overall, the latest developments will also impact America.

If Iran and Hamas do not remain silent, it will have a direct impact on the entire Middle East. Qatar, Turkey and Yemen’s Houthis have already issued aggressive statements on the murder. Top players like UAE and Saudi Arabia may be silent, but it cannot be denied that there is some commotion happening within.

What could be the impact on India?

The country has not yet reacted on this issue. But if the war escalates, the matter can become serious. About 90 lakh Indians are living in the Middle East for work. In such a situation, instability there means direct involvement of India.

Apart from this, two-thirds of our crude oil supply used to come from these areas. Although the oil import strategy was changed some time ago, in which India is buying more oil from Russia, but there is still dependence on the Middle East. If the war starts, the oil supply will also be affected. It may even be difficult for India to keep the trade matter separate from the diplomatic matter.