Assassination of Hamas chief aimed at derailing negotiations: Malaysian premier

By Islamuddin Sajid and Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISLAMABAD / ISTANBUL (AA) - Strongly condemning the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Wednesday said the “murder” was “designed to derail ongoing talks” to end carnage in Gaza.

Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in the Iranian capital Tehran.

“It is patently clear that this could only have been carried out in an environment of utter impunity,” Anwar said, as he spoke to the leadership of the Palestinian resistance group to convey condolences.

The assassination of top Hamas leader comes as negotiations for a cease-fire in the besieged Palestinian enclave were going on.

Haniyeh had participated in the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president on Tuesday.

Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also confirmed the incident.

No immediate announcement has been made by Israel on the incident.

The assassination took place at around 2 a.m. local time (2230GMT Tuesday).

Haniyeh was "stationed in one of the residences for war veterans in the north of Tehran."

He was "martyred after a projectile hit his place of residence.”

“Only the heedless and unconscionable will not see the need to intensify pressure on Israel to stop their murderous rampage,” Anwar said.

The prime minister said his “detractors ... fail to appreciate Haniyeh’s profound desire for a peaceful Middle East and a Palestinian nation restored to its rightful dignity.”

“I mourn the loss of a dear friend and a valiant advocate for his people,” he said.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry urged an immediate and thorough investigation into this assassination, and said "those responsible will be brought to justice."

Meanwhile, the interim Taliban administration in Afghanistan also condemned the assassination of Haniyeh.

"Martyr Ismail Haniyeh was a distinguished, wise, and resolute Palestinian leader who made significant sacrifices in his successful struggle and Jihad, fulfilling his commitment in this manner," said Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Extending condolences to the family of Haniyeh and leadership of Hamas, Mujahid said: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan regards defending Hamas and the sacred land of Palestine as both an Islamic and humanitarian duty."