Helen Suzman vs Ismail Haniyeh

Suzman was elected to the South African Parliament as a member of the Progressive Party, which opposed apartheid. She became the sole parliamentary voice against the government's racial policies for over a decade.

For 13 years, Suzman was the only MP consistently opposing apartheid legislation. She used parliamentary privilege to question ministers, expose abuses, and advocate for the rights of non-white South Africans, often facing hostility from fellow MPs.

Suzman visited Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, becoming one of the few people allowed to see him. She reported on his conditions and helped maintain contact between political prisoners and the outside world.

Suzman was awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize in recognition of her courageous opposition to apartheid. The award highlighted her international reputation as a symbol of resistance to racial oppression.

Suzman retired from Parliament after 36 years of service. By then, the anti-apartheid movement had grown, and she had mentored a new generation of opposition MPs. Her retirement marked the end of an era of lone parliamentary opposition.

Ismail Haniyeh became Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority after Hamas won the 2006 legislative elections. This led to a political crisis and international isolation of the Hamas-led government.

After clashes with Fatah, Haniyeh's Hamas forces seized control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007. This split the Palestinian territories into two rival governments: Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank.

Haniyeh led Hamas during multiple Israeli military operations in Gaza, including Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009) and Operation Protective Edge (2014). These wars resulted in heavy Palestinian casualties and destruction.

Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, 2024, by an explosion at his residence. He was in Iran for the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the attack.