Gadkari Recalls Meeting Haniyeh Before Assassination
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Dec 25, 2025
- 560
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed that he met former Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh just hours before the latter was assassinated, an encounter he recounted at a recent book launch event.
Gadkari said that in July 2024, he was deputed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran. The high-profile event was attended by leaders and representatives from several countries, all of whom were accommodated in a five-star hotel under tight security arrangements.
During his stay at the hotel, Gadkari noticed an individual who appeared different from the other delegates. While most guests clearly represented their respective nations, this person did not seem to be affiliated with any country. Upon greeting him, Gadkari learned that he was a senior leader of Hamas who had been granted special status by the Iranian government and was travelling alongside Iran’s Chief Justice and Prime Minister.
Although Gadkari did not name the individual publicly, his description makes it evident that he was referring to Ismail Haniyeh, who at the time was Hamas’s most prominent political leader and was internationally known.
Gadkari recalled that after the inauguration ceremony, he returned to his room following dinner. At around 4 a.m., he was awakened by a knock at the door. The Indian Ambassador informed him that they needed to leave the hotel immediately. When Gadkari asked for the reason, he was told that the Hamas leader he had met only hours earlier had been assassinated inside the same hotel.
Expressing shock, Gadkari said it was astonishing that a man provided with special protection by the Iranian government and housed in a highly secure location could be killed despite stringent security measures.
Haniyeh had travelled to Tehran from Qatar to attend President Pezeshkian’s swearing-in ceremony. He was killed in what was reported to be a missile or short-range weapon attack. Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards blamed Israel for the assassination, though there was no official response from Israel.
Gadkari said he shared this incident to underline the growing importance of modern technology and forward-looking strategies in areas such as national security, trade, and defence. He stressed that failure to adapt to changing times could lead to serious challenges in the future.
Ismail Haniyeh was appointed deputy chief of Hamas in 2013 and later became the group’s political head in 2017 after being elected by its Shura Council. During his tenure, he was often criticised for imposing heavy taxes on goods entering the Gaza Strip and for alleged corruption.
According to reports by international media, including The Times of London, Haniyeh possessed assets worth over ₹33,000 crore, including luxury properties in Gaza, Qatar, and other Arab countries, many of which were reportedly managed by his family members. His lavish lifestyle drew criticism, particularly as Gaza’s civilian population struggled with widespread poverty.
Haniyeh was married twice and had 13 children from his first marriage. His personal life and wealth remained controversial topics until his death.
Nitin Gadkari was among the many international dignitaries present in Tehran on July 30, 2024, where he also conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to President Pezeshkian.