'Unacceptable', 'Right Way To Clean': World Reacts To Ismail Haniyeh Killing, Palestinian Prez Declares One Day Of Mourning

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has declared a day of mourning in the country, following the killing of Hamas Political Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Amid rising fear of wider escalation of tensions in the Middle East, several countries across the world have come forward and condemned the killing of Political Bureau Chief of Palestinian miliant group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran, on Wednesday. To mourn the "assassination" of the former Prime Minister Haniyeh, the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has declared a day of mourning in the country, as part of which, the flags will be flown at half-mast.

Meanwhile, Iran raised the red flag of revenge on the dome of the Jamkaran mosque in the city of Qom. Its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had also tweeted that Iran will take revenge for the "tragic event which has taken place within the borders of the Islamic Republic".

Hamas stated that its political leader was killed in an Israeli attack earlier today. The Iranian state media said that Haniyeh was killed when an air strike hit a building for war veterans in Tehran, where Haniyeh was staying. He was in Tehran to attend Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's presidential inauguration ceremony.

Although Israel is being blamed for the attack, no one has claimed responsibility of the strike yet.

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has vowed to avenge Haniyeh's death, news agency AFP reported. The agency quoted the Iranian president saying that he will make Israel "regret" the "cowardly" killing of "brave leader" Haniyeh, adding that the country would "defend its territorial integrity, honour pride and dignity".

Here are some of the reactions to Haniyeh's death from across the world:

Hamas

A senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said: "This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas and the will of our people and achieve fake goals. We confirm that this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives."

"Hamas is a concept and an institution and not persons. Hamas will continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices and we are confident of victory."

Israel

Israel's Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu said that this is the "right way to clean the world of this filth. No more imaginary peace/surrender agreements. No more mercy." 

"The iron hand that will strike them is the one that will bring peace and a little comfort and strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire peace. Haniyeh’s death makes the world a little better," he said.

Iran

President Masoud Pezeshkian, for whose presidential inauguration Haniyeh visited Tehran to celebrate, stated in a post on X: "The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honour, pride and dignity, and make the terrorist invaders regret their cowardly action."

A statement from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei noted: "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us sad, but it also prepared a harsh punishment for itself."

Palestine

Condemning the "assassination," Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the attack on Haniyeh as a "cowardly act and dangerous development".

According to a statement from the official news agency Wafa, Abbas also called Palestinians to unite and "be patient and steadfast in the face of the Israeli occupation".

Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Deputy Secretary-General Muhammad al-Hindi said: "This assassination is not only directed at the Palestinian resistance and Hamas, in particular, but it is also directed at Iran."

"Israel is on the verge of collapse, and its reactions reflect confusion and inability to achieve any of its goals. Israel is facing such resistance for the first time in its history," he added.

Russia

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said: "This is an absolutely unacceptable political murder, and it will lead to further escalation of tensions."

United States

Reiterating his calls for a ceasefire and the release of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that US was "not aware of or involved" in Haniyeh's death.

China

"We are highly concerned about the incident and firmly oppose and condemn the assassination," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. "Gaza should achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible."

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "Malaysia urges for an immediate and thorough investigation into this assassination, and those responsible to be brought to justice. Malaysia also urges all parties to exercise restraint while facts surrounding the assassination are being established."

"The incident underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforces the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions," it further stated.

Egypt

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who has led Qatar’s mediation efforts, wrote on X: "Political assassinations and continued targeting of civilians in Gaza while talks continue leads us to ask, how can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side? Peace needs serious partners."