On Wednesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran, prompting numerous foreign governments to label the act a “heinous crime” that is likely to “escalate tensions” further in the region.
While no one immediately took responsibility for the assassination, Israel quickly became the focal point of blame after vowing to eliminate Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders following the terrorist group’s assault on Israel on October 7.
Israel refrained from commenting immediately, as it typically remains silent regarding assassinations executed by its Mossad intelligence agency.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that it is “Iran’s obligation to avenge Haniyeh’s blood, given that he was martyred on our soil.”
HAMAS LEADER ISMAIL HANIYEH REPORTEDLY ASSASSINATED
Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, speaks to journalists after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, June 28, 2021. (AP)
“We will make the terrorist occupiers regret this cowardly assassination; we will defend our honor,” stated Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said, “Haniyeh’s martyrdom in Tehran will bolster the deep and unbreakable bond among Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance.”
Abdul Salam Haniyeh, son of the Hamas leader, remarked that his father “survived four assassination attempts during his noble mission, and today Allah has granted him the martyrdom he always desired.”
“He was deeply committed to fostering national unity and worked towards the solidarity of all Palestinian factions. We assert that this assassination will not hinder the resistance, which will persist until freedom is realized,” he continued.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated, “This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation aimed at undermining the will of Hamas and our people, seeking to achieve false objectives. We affirm that this escalation will ultimately fail.”
“The assassination of Haniyeh will elicit a harsh and painful response,” warned Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards.
Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov condemned the attack as “an absolutely unacceptable political murder, one that will heighten tensions further.”
“Qatar strongly condemns the assassination of Dr. Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, deeming it a heinous crime and a dangerous escalation, marking a significant violation of international and humanitarian laws,” stated the Qatar Foreign Ministry.
“The foreign ministry stresses that this assassination and Israel’s ongoing reckless targeting of civilians in Gaza will thrust the region deeper into chaos and strangle the prospects for peace.”
IDF KILLS HEZBOLLAH COMMANDER BEHIND BRUTAL ATTACK ON CHILDREN’S SOCCER FIELD: OFFICIALS
President Masoud Pezeshkian, right, shakes hands with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh at the start of their meeting at the President’s office in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP)
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The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement: “Hamas embodies a concept and an institution rather than just individuals. The path of Hamas will remain unchanged regardless of the sacrifices made, and we are confident of ultimate victory.”
Additionally, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned, in part, on social media that Haniyeh “became a symbol of the glorious Palestinian resistance, and his respected memory will remain alive within the just cause of the Palestinian people.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicated that the U.S. government will strive to de-escalate tensions but will also support Israel if it faces an attack.
In response to the assassination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to conduct a situation assessment with defense establishment leaders on Wednesday, and Israel plans to enhance security measures at Jewish institutions worldwide.
Reuters contributed to this report.
