Al-Jazeera / July 31, 2024
The Palestinian group that governs Gaza has blamed Israel for the assassination of its political chief.
This is a translation of a statement issued by Palestinian group Hamas after the killing of its political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran’s capital, Tehran.
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. [And do not think that those who are killed in the way of God are dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.]
The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas mourns our great Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nation, and all the free people of the world: brother, leader, martyr, Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh.
The head of the movement was killed in a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran, after participating in the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian president.
To God we belong and to Him we shall return. And it is a struggle, victory or martyrdom.”
‘Major repercussions across region’
Hamas’s military wing, Qassam Brigades, called Haniyeh’s assassination a “dangerous event”.
This is a translation of the statement:
“With the highest expressions of pride and honour, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades announce to our struggling Palestinian people, our Arab and Islamic nations, and the free people of the world, the martyrdom of the leader Ismail Abdul Salam Haniyeh, commander of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas.
He was martyred following a cowardly Zionist assassination operation targeting his residence in Tehran. In response to this Nazi crime, we affirm the following points:
Firstly, the leader and fighter ‘Abu al-Abd’ ascended after a life filled with dedication, struggle, and sacrifices. Throughout his journey, he accompanied the various stages of the movement’s development and struggle, leaving clear contributions and marks at different points. He gave much to the Palestinian cause and played a significant role in strengthening the resistance, unifying the efforts of the nation, and directing the compass towards Jerusalem.
His life culminated in martyrdom during the noblest battle, ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’, fought by our people and the free ones of our nation in defence of Al-Aqsa and the sanctities.
Secondly, the criminal assassination of the leader Haniyeh in the heart of the Iranian capital is a significant and dangerous event that shifts the battle to new dimensions and will have major repercussions across the entire region.
The enemy miscalculated by expanding the scope of aggression, assassinating resistance leaders in various arenas, and violating the sovereignty of regional states. The criminal Netanyahu, blinded by delusions of grandeur, is driving the occupation entity toward the abyss, accelerating its collapse and permanent removal from Palestinian land.
Thirdly, this Zionist recklessness must end, and the rampant enemy must be curbed, with its meddling hand restrained to prevent further aggression. The continuous crimes of the enemy across various fronts sound an alarm for all nations and peoples of the region, compelling everyone to support and back the resistance in Palestine. This resistance serves as the front-line defence for the entire nation, which is why the enemy strives to crush and subdue it to focus on larger aggression against the nations and peoples of the region.
Fourthly, the blood of our leader Ismail Haniyeh, mingling today with the blood of Gaza’s children, women, youth, and elders, and with the blood of our people and fighters, underscores that the resistance and its leaders are at the heart of the battle alongside their people. This precious blood will not be shed in vain but will illuminate the path to liberation. The enemy will pay for its aggression with its own blood in Gaza, the West Bank, and within its borders, wherever our fighters reach by God’s will.”
Source: Al-Jazeera
