Iraqi Kurdistan condemns Hamas' Haniyeh assassination in Iran

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of the Palestinian Islamic radical militant group, Hamas, in Tehran has prompted strong reactions and concerns from the Iraqi Kurdistan Presidency and the Iraqi federal government.

“We view this dangerous development with profound concern,” stated the Kurdistan presidency. “Further complications in the situation threaten the stability of the entire region and could lead to severe repercussions.”

Iranian media reported that Haniyeh was killed at approximately 2 a.m. local time at his residence in Tehran on July 31, 2024. Hamas has blamed Israel for orchestrating the assassination.

Haniyeh, who had been the Hamas political bureau chief since 2017, succeeded Khaled Mashaal in the role. He also served as Palestinian prime minister, assuming the position in 2006 following a surprising victory in parliamentary elections against the rival Fatah faction.

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, Haniyeh’s assassination has drawn condemnation from Iraqi officials.

“The Zionist entity [Israel] has once again violated national sovereignty and international laws by committing assassination crimes and targeting a political figure,” said Basim al-Awadi, spokesperson for the Iraqi government, in a statement. “This act is intended to spark crises and escalate conflicts, inevitably resulting in severe regional consequences.”

Al-Awadi added, “These actions exacerbate tensions and continue the genocidal war against the resilient Palestinian people, violating all ethical and humanitarian standards.” He called on the United Nations Security Council to “fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security.”

On October 7, 2023, gunmen from Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community, executed a brutal attack on southern Israeli communities and military bases, resulting in over 1,200 deaths. The Israeli military reports that Hamas is currently holding 253 hostages in Gaza.

In retaliation for the October 7 attack, Israel has launched an assault aimed at annihilating Hamas, the ruling group in Gaza, and has vowed to “wipe the Gaza-based Hamas militant group off the face of the earth” following what has been described as the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israeli history.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, Egypt, the European Union, Israel, and Japan.