'How did we get here?': Gazans' pessimism deepens after Ismail Haniyeh's assassination

News of Hamas leader's killing came as shock to most in the enclave

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Palestinians in Gaza are pessimistic about their future after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.

Saeb Junaid, 29, from northern Gaza's Jabalia camp had lost his home during the war along with 15 members of his family.

He believes that Mr Haniyeh's assassination will have “significant implications” for Israel's war in Gaza, especially when it comes to continuing ceasefire talks.

Mr Junaid said the news came as a shock, especially given its location.

“Iran is a country known for its strength and capabilities. Israel's boldness in carrying out this operation is very high,” he said.

Mohammed Shalaileh, 25, living in Gaza city's Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood said he was blindsided by Mr Haniyeh's assassination.

“It was unexpected and surprising. Honestly, we were more expecting the assassination of Yahya Sinwar or military figures, but Haniyeh's assassination was shocking,” he told The National.

Mr Shalaileh said the killing signalled Israel's unwillingness to stop the war in Gaza.

“The assassination might be part of the victory narrative Israel is aiming for – and it could push them to approach negotiations with more leverage than before,” he said.

However, he did believe that Wednesday's events are going to strengthen Palestinian resistance movements and make them more steadfast in their positions.

“Martyrdom is expected”, said 41 year-old Mohammad Issa, who has become forcibly displaced and is now seeking shelter in a relative's home in northern Gaza.

“The assassination is not a simple matter, but every Palestinian expects to be martyred in this war. Hamas certainly anticipated that, after the October 7 operation, its key leaders, both inside and outside the country, would be targeted for assassination because what happened on that day was significant,” he told The National.

People in Gaza not only feel sad, he said, but concerned as well about the future, regardless of what happens abroad.

“The prevailing sentiment is, 'how did we get here?' The news of the assassinations of leaders doesn't affect people much any more because all they care about is that the war ends and that all the suffering, displacement, and death comes to an end.”