ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The spokesperson of the foreign ministry of China told Rudaw on Thursday that Beijing strongly condemns the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ politburo chief, in Tehran.
"We firmly oppose and condemn the assassination, and are deeply concerned that this incident may lead to further instability in the region," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian told Rudaw at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
Hamas blames Israel for killing Haniyeh early Wednesday at a residence in Tehran, where he had attended the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike.
"Gaza should achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible to avoid further escalation of conflict and confrontation," Jian said. "China has always supported internal reconciliation in Palestine and believes that achieving internal reconciliation in Palestine is an important step towards resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East."
Haniyeh was elected Hamas political bureau chief in 2017, succeeding Khaled Mashaal. He previously served as Palestinian prime minister, assuming the post in 2006 following an upset victory in parliamentary elections against rival Fatah.
Against the backdrop of soaring tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, Haniyeh’s death has drawn international condemnation.
“The Zionist entity [Israel] has once again violated the sovereignty of nations and disregarded international laws by committing assassination crimes and targeting a political figure,” Basim al-Awadi, Iraqi government spokesperson, said in a statement. “This act aims to ignite crises and expand conflicts, which will inevitably lead to severe consequences in the region
“These actions contribute to heightened tensions and continue the genocidal war against the resilient Palestinian people, violating all ethical and humanitarian standards,” he added, calling on the United Nations Security Council to “fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security.”
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said that retaliation will ensue for the killing of Haniyeh.
Speaking at the Hamas leader's funeral, the highest-ranking Shiite cleric said that it is “our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Iran’s Representative to the UN Saeed Iravani has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Mahdi Faraj from Beijing contributed to this report
