Egypt Daily News – The funeral of the head of the political bureau of the Hamas movement, Ismail Haniyeh, began in the streets of the Iranian capital, Tehran, where he was killed, at dawn on Wednesday. Below we review the most important developments up to date:
Crowds mourn the body of Ismail Haniyeh and one of his guards, from Tehran University to Azadi Square. The official Iranian News Agency published footage of the funeral.
The coffin of Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard were carried in a procession through the Iranian capital, Tehran, as thousands of mourners lined the streets.
The procession is scheduled to proceed from Tehran University towards Azadi Square, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency, for a distance of about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei performed funeral prayers at Tehran University for Ismail Haniyeh.
Hamas spokesman and deputy head, Khalil al-Hayya, gave a speech during the memorial service for Ismail Haniyeh. Pictures show Haniyeh’s coffin wrapped in the Palestinian flag with his picture, while thousands gathered at the site, many of whom were carrying Palestinian and Iranian flags, as well as banners bearing pictures of Haniyeh.
Hamas said that Haniyeh would be buried in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Friday. Haniyeh spent most of his time in Doha, where Hamas has a political office.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to avenge the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran on Wednesday. He said: “You killed our dear guest in our home and now you have paved the way for your harsh punishment,” referring to Israel.
