Read Hamas’s statement on the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran

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.

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.