The political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran. No country or group claimed responsibility for the killing, but it might exacerbate tensions in the region.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross describes a scene of unbearable tragedy in Gaza. The agency says famine is looming, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Polio is sweeping across the territory according to the World Health Organization. Having nowhere to go as the Israeli army advances, many are seeking shelter in places like prisons and even cemeteries. 

Joining the discussion: 

• Mustafa Barghouti is President of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society and Founder and Leader of the Palestinian National Initiative.
• Sara Yael Hirschhorn is a historian and political analyst. 
• Michael Lynk is Professor Emeritus of Law at Western University and former U.N. Special Rapporteur for the Human Rights situation in the Palestinian Territories. 
• Khalil Jahshan is executive director of the Arab Center in Washington DC. 

Hamas has vowed revenge for the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Haniyeh, the son of Nakba survivors, rose through Hamas's ranks to become one of its most critical leaders. pic.twitter.com/3Nm5rBK6CV

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 31, 2024

“We have launched strikes against three fronts in the last few days”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu address the nation following the targeted assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut pic.twitter.com/v9PF9SfIHT

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) July 31, 2024