Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran

Leader: We See it Our Duty to Avenge Blood of Our Dear Guest

Date: 31 July 2024 - 22:19

News ID: ۱۲۹۹۶۲

TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday avenging Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination is “Tehran’s duty” because it occurred in the Iranian capital.
“The brave leader and prominent Palestinian mujahid, Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, joined his Creator in the early hours at dawn, and the great Resistance Front is mourning his loss,” the Leader said in a message.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our homeland and left us bereaved, but it also set the ground for a harsh punishment for itself and we consider it our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei commended Haniyeh’s years-long sacrifices in his fight against the Israeli occupation and said he was ready for martyrdom and sacrificed his children and households on this path.
“He was not afraid of embracing martyrdom in the way of God and saving God’s servants, but we consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and horrific incident that came to pass in the Islamic Republic’s territory.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said Haniyeh was willing to sacrifice his honorable life in the dignified battle for the Palestinian cause for many years.
“He was prepared for martyrdom and had sacrificed his children and loved ones on this path. He was not afraid of being martyred on the path of God and in order to save the lives of God’s servants. However, following this bitter, tragic event which has taken place within the borders of the Islamic Republic, we believe it is our duty to take revenge.”
The Leader also extended his

condolences to the Islamic Ummah, the resistance front, the proud nation of Palestine as well as Haniyeh’s family and one of his companions, who was martyred with him.
Ayatollah Khamenei will lead prayers over Haniyeh’s body at Tehran University to start his funeral procession on Thursday.
The procession will move towards Azadi (Freedom) Square before Haniyeh’s body is taken to Qatar’s capital, Doha, for burial on Friday.
Iranian authorities announced that rigorous investigations have been launched into the assassination and the results will subsequently be released.
The Islamic Republic has declared three days of national mourning for the loss of the Palestinian resistance leader.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the assassination will further consolidate the bond between the two nations, noting that the path of resistance will continue stronger than ever.
Iran, he said, is mourning “the all-time and proud follower of the path of resistance, the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, the martyr of Al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh”.
“Yesterday, I raised his victorious hand and today I should carry him on my shoulders,” Pezeshkian further wrote, adding, “The bond between the two proud nations of Iran and Palestine will be stronger than ever, and the path of resistance and protection of the oppressed will be followed stronger than ever.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honor and dignity, and make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly act,” Pezeshkian added.
Iranian Foreign Ministry: Haniyeh’s blood, sacrifices ‘will not go in vain’
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the blood and sacrifices of the late head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas will not be wasted.
Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said the martyrdom of Haniyeh in Tehran will further bolster the deep and unbreakable bond between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Palestine and the resistance.
The ministry called for global action against Israel, saying the attack is another manifestation of the aggressive and law-breaking nature of the “criminal mafia ruling the occupied land of Palestine.”
Iran “expects countries and international organizations to seriously and effectively hold the Israeli regime accountable and take necessary political, legal, and punitive measures against this rogue regime in support of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and their legitimate resistance against occupation,” a statement by the ministry said.
The statement said the criminal act is part of the broader campaign of genocide Israel pursues in Gaza and is aimed at increasing insecurity in West Asia.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the assassination “will be met with a harsh and painful response.”
“Iran and the resistance front will respond to this crime,” it said in a statement.