New York, 31 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The UN Security Council is to convene in New York for an emergency session later Wednesday following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Several diplomats told dpa that a meeting requested by Iran and backed by China, Russia and Algeria will take place at 4 pm (2000 GMT).

Tensions in the Middle East had risen following the targeted killing of the political leader of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Iran and Hamas have threatened Israel with retaliation.

The Israeli government has not said it was responsible for the attack.