Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Iran, the Palestinian group that runs the Gaza Strip and Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps said in separate statements.
Here are some reactions to Haniyeh’s death:
Sami Abu Zuhri, senior Hamas official
“This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas and the will of our people and achieve fake goals. We confirm that this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives.
“Hamas is a concept and an institution and not a person. Hamas will continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices and we are confident of victory.”
Amichai Eliyahu, Israel’s Minister of Heritage
“This is the right way to clean the world of this filth. No more imaginary peace/surrender agreements. No more mercy. The iron hand that will strike them is the one that will bring peace and a little comfort and strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire peace. Haniyeh’s death makes the world a little better.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Abbas strongly condemned the assassination, describing it as “a cowardly act and a dangerous development”, according to a statement from the official Wafa news agency. The president also called on Palestinians to unite and “be patient and steadfast in the face of the Israeli occupation”.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi Supreme Revolutionary Committee
“Targeting Ismail Haniyeh is a heinous terrorist crime and a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values.”
China expressed strong condemnation of the assassination, emphasizing the need for stability in the Middle East. Chinese officials called for restraint from all parties and reiterated their support for the Palestinian cause. China’s Foreign Ministry urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and highlighted the importance of diplomatic solutions in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Russia also condemned the assassination, viewing it as an escalation that could destabilize the already volatile region. Russian officials called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation and prevent further violence. Russia has historically positioned itself as a supporter of Palestinian rights and has urged Israel to halt what it sees as disproportionate actions.
Pakistan has condemned the assassination of the Chief of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in a statement, said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including extrajudicial and extraterritorial killings irrespective of the motives. She said Pakistan is deeply shocked by the timing of this reckless act, coinciding with the inauguration of the President of Iran, an event attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The spokesperson said Pakistan views with serious concern the growing Israeli adventurism in the region. She said its latest acts constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and undermine efforts for peace.
European leaders had mixed reactions. The European Union called for an investigation into the incident and urged both sides to avoid further escalation. While some EU member states, like France, echoed concerns over Israel’s actions, others remained more reserved, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to both Israeli and Palestinian concerns.
The United States had a more nuanced response. While not explicitly condemning the assassination, U.S. officials emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats. At the same time, the U.S. urged Israel to exercise caution and avoid actions that could lead to wider regional conflict. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to Israel’s security but also stressed the importance of finding a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Other global reactions included strong condemnations from Iran and Turkey, both of which are known supporters of Hamas. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei led prayers at Haniyeh’s funeral in Tehran, denouncing the assassination as a heinous act that would not go unanswered. Hezbollah, closely aligned with Iran, vowed to retaliate against what they called a “dangerous escalation” by Israel.
UN Security Council holds emergency meeting amid regional tensions as Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr assassinated. The UN’s top political affairs official reiterated the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East, appealing to the Security Council on Wednesday for “swift and effective diplomatic action”, as ambassadors met in an emergency meeting on the latest flare-up in hostilities.
“The international community has a choice to make – let it be for peace and security, do not let Israel drag us all to the abyss,” Feda Abdelhady Nasser, Palestine’s deputy UN representative told the council. These reactions underline the complex and polarized international perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with global powers expressing concern over the potential for further instability in the region.
Israel’s actions have reached an alarming level, posing a severe threat to global peace and stability. Its unchecked operations in Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed promptly. The possession of advanced technology by Israel does not justify its use of power against weaker nations. The global balance of power is precarious, and if other nations with similar capabilities decide to retaliate, it could plunge the world into unimaginable chaos.
The United States bears significant responsibility for this situation by supplying Israel with sophisticated weaponry and technology, enabling acts that many view as severe violations of human rights. This support has facilitated crimes that have shocked the conscience of the international community.
All peace-loving nations, organizations, and individuals must unite in their efforts to halt Israeli aggression, brutality, and systematic atrocities against the people of Gaza and Palestine. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further escalation. The United Nations must fulfill its duty under its charter to protect global peace and security, intervening decisively to bring an end to this ongoing crisis before it spirals out of control.