Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Tehran, the capital of Iran. His death was confirmed in separate statements by the Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Here are some reactions to Haniyeh’s death, starting with those closest to the situation:
Hamas
“This assassination by the Israeli occupation of brother Haniyeh is a serious escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas and the will of our people and achieve false goals. We confirm that this escalation will not succeed in achieving its goals,” said Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official.
“Hamas is a concept and an institution, not people. Hamas will continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices and we are confident of its victory.”
Israel
“This is the right way to cleanse the world of this filth. No more imaginary peace/surrender agreements. No more mercy,” Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said. “The iron hand that will strike them is the one that will bring peace and some comfort and strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire peace. Haniyeh’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 invaders regret their cowardly act,” President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose inauguration Haniyeh was in Tehran to celebrate, said in a message on X.
امروز ایران عزیز به سوگ شریک غم و شادی خود، همراه همیشگی و پرافتخار راه سطین، شهید القدس، حاج اسماعیل This is a person who took care of him and ended up with her.
شهادت هنر مردان خدا است. پیوند دو ملت سربلند ایران و… pic.twitter.com/s6eqHX78a8— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) July 31, 2024
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has martyred our dear guest in our house and made us sad, but it has also prepared a severe punishment for itself,” read a statement from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Hezbollah
“We in Hezbollah share with our dear brothers in the Hamas movement all the feelings of pain over the loss of this great leader, the feelings of anger over the crimes of the enemy, the feelings of pride that the leaders of our movements are leading their people and their mujahideen to martyrdom,” read a statement published on Telegram by the pro-Iran and Hamas Lebanese armed group.
Palestinian Authority
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned the assassination, calling it a “cowardly act and a dangerous development,” according to a statement by the official Wafa news agency. The president also called on Palestinians to unite and “be patient and determined in the face of the Israeli occupation.”
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
“This assassination targets not only the Palestinian resistance and Hamas in particular, but also Iran,” said Deputy Secretary-General Muhammad al-Hindi. “Israel is on the brink of collapse and its reactions reflect its confusion and inability to achieve its goals. Israel is facing such resistance for the first time in its history.”
Reactions also started coming in from around the world.
Australia
“This individual played a central role in the activities that took place on October 7, activities that we have consistently condemned,” said Defense Secretary Richard Marles. “That said, we have consistently advocated for a ceasefire in the Middle East to end the catastrophe that is unfolding. We want to make absolutely certain that we do not see an escalation,” he added, “because the consequences of that would be profound.”
China
“We are very concerned about this incident and firmly oppose and condemn this assassination,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. “Gaza must achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Malaysia
“Malaysia urges that this assassination be immediately and thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice. Malaysia also urges all parties to exercise restraint while the facts surrounding the assassination are established,” the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This incident underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforces the need for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and seek peaceful solutions.”
Qatar
“The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Dr. Ismail Haniyeh… (and) considers it a heinous crime, a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that this assassination and Israel’s irresponsible behavior of continuously targeting civilians in Gaza will lead the region towards chaos and jeopardize the chances of peace.”
Russia
“This is an absolutely unacceptable political murder, which will lead to a further escalation of tensions,” Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
Türkiye
Haniyeh’s assassination “demonstrates once again that the Israeli government of Netanyahu has no intention of achieving peace,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The region will face much bigger conflicts if the international community does not take steps to stop Israel.”
The Houthis of Yemen
“Targeting Ismail Haniyeh is a heinous terrorist crime and a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values,” said Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee of the Yemeni Houthis.