EXCLUSIVE - Haniyeh likely assassinated by rocket or projectile: Senior Hamas official

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Hamas political bureau chief leader Ismail Haniyeh was likely killed by a rocket or a projectile fired at the building where he was staying, a Hamas senior official said Friday.

Khaled Qaddoumi, Hamas' representative in Iran, told Anadolu that based on the destruction of the ceiling and the wall of the room, the attack "likely indicates that the place was hit from outside by a rocket or a projectile."

"But this issue is left to the technical reports," said Qaddoumi.

"The technical teams are tirelessly working to reach the facts... so it's early to send out any assessment over the issue," he said.

Asked about a New York Times report that claimed an explosive device was hidden in Haniyeh’s room two months before the attack, Qaddoumi ruled out that possibility.

"This is irrational and is not based on any scientific findings," he said.

Noting the last moments with Haniyeh, Qaddoumi said Haniyeh attended an official presidential dinner after an inauguration ceremony for Iran's new president. Haniyeh then went to his residence where he previously stayed when visiting Iran, adding it is for high-ranking guests like prime ministers and ministers.

"His place of residence at that time was on the fourth floor," he said.

Haniyeh was assassinated Wednesday in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the killing but Tel Aviv has not confirmed or denied responsibility.