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Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in the Iranian capital, Tehran. The Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip and Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed his death in separate statements.
Here are some reactions to Haniya’s death, starting with the actors most closely associated with the incident:
Hamas
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said: “The assassination of the Haniyeh brother by the Israeli occupation forces is a serious escalation aimed at destroying the will of Hamas and the will of our people and achieving false goals. We are sure that this escalation will not achieve its goals.”
“Hamas is a concept and an institution, not an individual. Hamas will continue on this path, whatever the sacrifice, and we are confident of victory.”
Israel
“This is the right way to cleanse the world of filth. No more false peace/surrender deals. No more mercy,” said Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu. “Strike their iron hands will bring peace and a little comfort, and strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire it. Haniya’s death makes the world a little better.”
Iran
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honor, pride and dignity and make the terrorist aggressors regret their cowardly actions,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on the X website. Haniyeh traveled to Tehran to celebrate the presidential inauguration.
“The criminal, terrorist Zionist regime has killed dear guests in our home, causing us grief, but it has also prepared for itself a severe punishment,” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement.
Hezbollah
Hamas and the Iran-aligned Lebanese armed group said in a statement on Telegram: “We in Hezbollah, along with our dear brothers in the Hamas movement, are saddened by the loss of this great leader, angry at the crimes of our enemies, and proud of the leaders of our movement who led their people and mujahideen to martyrdom.”
Palestinian Authority
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned the assassination, calling it a “cowardly act and a dangerous development,” according to a statement carried by the official Wafa news agency. The president also called on Palestinians to unite and “remain patient and steadfast in the face of Israeli occupation.”
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
“This assassination is not only aimed at the Palestinian resistance, especially Hamas, but also at Iran,” said Deputy Secretary-General Mohammad Hindi. “Israel is on the verge of collapse and its response reflects confusion and the inability to achieve any goals. This is the first time in its history that Israel is facing such resistance.”
USA
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States had “no knowledge or involvement” in Haniyeh’s death and reiterated calls for a ceasefire and the release of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza.
Reactions from around the world have varied:
Australia
“This individual was central to the activities that took place on October 7, which we have consistently condemned,” said Defense Secretary Richard Marrs. “Having said that, we have consistently advocated for a ceasefire in the Middle East to end the catastrophe that is unfolding. We absolutely want to ensure that there is no escalation,” he added, “because the consequences of an escalation would be far-reaching.”
China
“We are highly concerned about this incident and firmly oppose and condemn the assassination,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian. “A comprehensive and permanent ceasefire should be achieved in Gaza as soon as possible.”
Egypt
“The escalation in the region, coupled with the lack of progress in ceasefire talks in Gaza, adds to the complexity of the situation and demonstrates Israel’s lack of political will to calm the situation,” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This undermines the hard work of Egypt and its partners to stop the war in the Gaza Strip and end the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
Malaysia
“Malaysia urges an immediate and thorough investigation into the assassination and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Malaysia also urges all parties to exercise restraint while the truth behind the assassination is uncovered,” Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “This incident highlights the urgent need to de-escalate the situation and underscores the need for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and seek a peaceful solution.”
Qatar
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is leading Qatar’s mediation efforts, wrote on X: “As negotiations continue amid political assassinations and ongoing attacks on civilians in Gaza, we must ask how mediation can succeed when one side assassinates the other’s negotiator. Peace requires serious partnerships.”
Russia
“This is an absolutely unacceptable political murder, which will lead to a further escalation of tensions,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
turkey
The killing of Haniyeh “once again shows that the Netanyahu government in Israel has no intention of achieving peace,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “If the international community does not act to stop Israel, the region will face a larger conflict.”
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s presidential media service posted on the X website: “President Ranil Wickremesinghe … strongly condemned the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and made it clear that such acts will never be tolerated.”
Yemeni Houthi armed forces
“The attack on Ismail Haniyeh is a heinous terrorist crime and a blatant violation of the law and ideal values,” said Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, chairman of the Supreme Revolutionary Council of the Yemeni Houthi armed forces.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
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