Mauritania says Haniyeh’s assassination undermines international efforts to halt Gaza war

By Mhamed Bakaye

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AA) - Mauritania on Friday said the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh "undermines international efforts to end violence in the Middle East and ongoing genocide in Gaza."

The Foreign Ministry of the North African country in a statement condemned Haniyeh’s killing a "violation of all ethical and diplomatic norms and agreements."

The ministry called on the "international community to take responsibility for enforcing respect for international law and humanitarian standards," emphasizing the need to "create conditions to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and ensure their rightful freedom and independence."

Haniyeh was assassinated on Wednesday in the Iranian capital Tehran, where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Masood Pazeshkian. While Hamas and Iran blamed Israel for the killing, Tel Aviv has not commented on the attack directly.

Israel has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Efforts for a cease-fire continue through mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi