KUALA LUMPUR – The struggle for Palestinian self-determination continues despite Ismail Haniyeh’s murder, according to Hamas’ Iran representative Khaled Qaddoumi.
Speaking to Scoop, Qaddoumi said the recent assassination of Haniyeh is not only a loss for Hamas but Palestine.
“He has been martyred which is a good ending for him, but it is sad for Palestinians because Ismail was a diplomat, a former prime minister and an activist.”
Haniyeh, who led Hamas’ political wing, played a significant role in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing military campaign by Israel in Gaza.
So, Haniyeh’s assassination drew Qaddoumi to question Israel and the United States’ sincerity with regard to seeking negotiations.
Nevertheless, he said Malaysia should heed Haniyeh’s call for the international community to unite in their support for Palestine.
He added that only a few days ago, Haniyeh declared August 3 as the “International Day of Action for Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails” and rallied the international community to participate in demonstrations and marches.
Additionally, Qaddoumi also acknowledged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s relentless support for the Palestinian cause and made reference to his visit with Haniyeh in Doha last May, adding that Malaysia intends to improve charity efforts in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of residents there.
“We hope Malaysians continue their support for Palestine and their opposition towards Israel.”
Earlier today, international media reported on Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran.
According to news reports, Haniyeh, along with one of his bodyguards, was killed after the building where they were residing in Tehran was attacked.
In a statement, Hamas described the attack as a Zionist raid.
Iran’s state media had announced the killings early this morning, with the nation’s Revolutionary Guard issuing a statement expressing its condolences over the incident.
Haniyeh, who has been living in Qatar, was in Iran for the swearing-in of the republic’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who had stated his support of Hamas in Gaza.
In April, Haniyeh lost three of his sons and four grandchildren to Israeli air strikes in Gaza.
Haniyeh was also touted as the moderate voice of Hamas. – July 31, 2024