Israeli Actress's Cryptic Reaction to Hamas Leader's Tehran Assassination

Following the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Israeli actress Niv Sultan posted a coy message. Amid escalating tensions, Israeli PM Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas issued stark, opposing statements, highlighting a turbulent political landscape and heightened unrest across the region.

In the aftermath of the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Israeli actress Niv Sultan, known for her role as a Mossad agent in an Apple TV spy thriller, posted a cryptic message. Sultan's Instagram story featured her drinking coffee and winking at the camera, drawing public attention.

Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed. The IRGC's statement to Mehr News Agency indicated that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were martyred when their residence was targeted. Haniyeh, who typically resides in Qatar, was in Tehran for the swearing-in of Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian.

Echoing the gravity of recent events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed his nation had delivered significant blows to its enemies. Netanyahu stopped short of asserting Israel's responsibility for Haniyeh's killing but detailed recent military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the assassination, announcing a national day of mourning and urging demonstrations in the West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies.)