TEHRAN – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Saturday commemorated the first anniversary of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ Political Bureau, condemning Israel for the killing and praising the resilience of the Palestinian people amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, 2024, while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The IRGC described the killing as a “criminal act” and a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law.
The IRGC statement highlighted 21 months of relentless Israeli aggression, labeling the blockade of Gaza and denial of basic resources such as food, water, and medicine as “a new form of genocide” and a clear violation of human rights. 
It called on international organizations to urgently lift the siege, impose sanctions on Israel, and hold Tel Aviv accountable through an international tribunal, comparing the struggle to South Africa’s apartheid era.

The IRGC praised the steadfastness of Gaza’s population and the regional resistance front, particularly Iran’s role, asserting that their support has “terrified the criminal gangs ruling Washington and Tel Aviv.” The statement forecasted the eventual defeat of Israel and the liberation of Palestine.
President Pezeshkian also paid tribute on X, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to Palestinian self-determination and condemning Israel’s “war crimes” in Gaza and the region.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement, honoring Haniyeh’s legacy and condemning the assassination as a grave breach of Iran’s national sovereignty. It emphasized that the path of resistance would continue until Palestine’s liberation is achieved.
July 31 marks the anniversary of a killing that has intensified Iran’s resolve to support the Palestinian cause.