In a wave of international reactions, Pakistan, Indonesia, and several other nations condemned the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. Haniyeh, who was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his residence. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry extended its condolences to Haniyeh’s family and the people of Palestine, denouncing the act as reckless and ill-timed.
“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including extrajudicial and extraterritorial killings irrespective of the motives,” the ministry stated. Islamabad expressed serious concerns over what it termed as growing Israeli adventurism in the region, which it believes undermines efforts for peace. The assassination coincided with a significant political event attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, including Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Indonesia echoed Pakistan’s sentiments, with its Foreign Ministry highlighting the provocative nature of the act and its potential to escalate conflicts in the already volatile Gaza Strip. “It constitutes a provocative action that could escalate conflicts in the region and derail ongoing negotiations,” the ministry emphasized.
Regional and Global Implications
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has been met with widespread condemnation and fear of further destabilization in the region. Neighboring Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, mourned Haniyeh’s death, describing him as a “resourceful Palestinian leader.” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “He was successful and left the lessons of resistance, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, struggle, and practical sacrifice to his followers.”
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Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe also strongly condemned the killing, stressing his disapproval of such actions. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the need to prevent further escalation, warning of profound consequences if the conflict intensifies.
The Hamas-led attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 250 hostages, triggered a devastating war that has become the deadliest in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis.
Political and Social Repercussions
The political fallout from Haniyeh’s assassination extends beyond the Middle East. Pakistan’s political and religious leaders expressed their outrage and solidarity with Palestine. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) president Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, who had met Haniyeh previously, expressed his deep sadness over the assassination. “When I met Ismail Haniyeh, he was filled with the spirit of martyrdom. His martyrdom has deeply saddened me,” Fazl-ur-Rehman shared, pledging continued support for the Palestinian cause.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman condemned the killing and called for accountability from Israel and its allies. “This act has plunged the entire region into a new ordeal, making it clear that the conflict will no longer be confined to Gaza,” he stated, urging the Islamic world to stand against oppression.
Protests and resolutions are planned across Pakistan to honor Haniyeh’s legacy and condemn Israeli aggression. These actions reflect the deep-rooted support for Palestine within Pakistani society and the broader Islamic world.
Escalation and Future Prospects
The assassination marks a significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with potential global ramifications. Israeli adventurism, as described by Pakistani officials, is seen as a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability and peace efforts. The incident has sparked a new wave of geopolitical tensions, with countries like Iran, Pakistan, and Indonesia vocally opposing Israeli actions.
The timing of the assassination, coinciding with the Iranian presidential inauguration, has added to the diplomatic strain. Pakistani officials noted their deep shock over the act’s timing, emphasizing the presence of high-profile dignitaries, including Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister.
As the international community responds to the incident, the need for a diplomatic solution becomes ever more pressing. The killing of Haniyeh, a significant political figure within Hamas, could lead to further unrest and retaliatory actions, complicating peace efforts. With regional and global powers involved, the pathway to peace remains fraught with challenges.