BEIRUT — Ismail Haniyeh was the international face of Hamas, its top leader in exile who kept up the terrorist group’s ties with allies around the region. At the head of its political hierarchy, he had little military role.

The 62-year-old Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike Wednesday during a visit to one of Hamas’ most crucial allies, Iran, after attending the inauguration of its new president. Iran and Hamas both accused Israel, which has not commented on the strike.