DOHA, Qatar

Qatari authorities implemented stringent security measures on Friday to ensure the safety of the funeral proceedings for Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, who was assassinated in Iran’s capital Tehran.

Long queues were witnessed at Hamad International Airport in Doha during the night as people gathered to attend the funeral, which will be attended by officials from many countries.

Several main and side streets in Doha have been closed to traffic, with police implementing strict security measures, especially around the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, where the funeral prayer will be held after Friday prayers, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

The area around the mosque has also seen a significant presence of journalists from local and international media to cover the funeral.

Haniyeh was assassinated on Wednesday in the Iranian capital. While Hamas and Iran blamed Israel for the killing, Tel Aviv has not confirmed or denied its responsibility.

The assassination came one day after Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburb.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi